On his first day as Auburn University president, Jay Gogue came to Auburn University Montgomery both to say hello and to say that he wouldn't be saying farewell to programs shared by the two schools.

Gogue was greeted by about 45 faculty, staff and student leaders at a private reception at AUM's Taylor Center, where he said he would continue to pursue former AU President Ed Richardson's alternative fuel initiative and a water resource program -- both of which AUM Chancellor John Veres said were high on AUM's wish list.

Before traveling to Montgomery, Gogue spent the better part of his day Monday meeting with campus leaders in Auburn.

"His first official act as president was to meet with a group of 25 student leaders on campus before having a reception with university professors," said Brian Keeter, Auburn spokesman.

But Gogue also wanted to visit AUM on his first day.

"Having come from a similar school, I have a deep appreciation of the role an urban campus plays in a city, and I will do my best to be understanding and supportive of AUM," said Gogue, the former president of the University of Houston.