Ball State Moves Forward With Plan, Presidential Search

(photo courtesy of Ball State University)

Ball State University trustees have accepted a master plan for the school, focusing on entrepreneurial learning and supporting Indiana’s economy. The board has also approved a 16-member committee to lead the search for the university’s next president.

Vice President for Business Affairs Bernard Hannon says the plan is a "living, breathing document" with room for adaptation to address future opportunities and challenges. He says some of the ideas in the proposal could become a reality within five to 10 years, while others could develop over the course of a generation. The school says the strategic plan is the first of its kind in more than 20 years for the university.

The presidential search committee will be led by Trustee Matt Momper. The selection will succeed Paul Ferguson, who unexpectedly resigned in January. Other members include:

Charlene Alexander, professor of counseling psychology and faculty athletic representative, associate provost for diversity, director of the Office of Institutional Diversity
Kay Bales, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services and dean of students
Andy Beane, associate professor of art
Jennifer Bott, dean of the Miller College of Business and professor of management
Thomas C. Bracken, trustee
E. Renae Conley, trustee
Mark Ervin, Muncie-Delaware Chamber of Commerce board member
Sali Falling, vice president and general counsel
Hank Gerhart, statistical data asset control specialist at University Libraries
Richard Hall, trustee
Amy Harden, associate professor of family and consumer sciences
Jeff Kingsbury, alumnus
Cherí O’Neill, president and CEO of the Ball State University Foundation
Jerri Reynolds, custodian
James Wells, 2016-17 president of the Student Government Association

The school will hold a series of presidential forums over the next week. The schedule is:

Thursday, April 21 — L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Cardinal Hall B

·      1 p.m. — faculty and academic staff

·      2 p.m. — general staff

·      3 p.m. — student body

Thursday, April 21 — Worthen Arena, Arena Lounge

·      5:30 p.m.  — alumni and community

Friday, April 22 — Burkhardt Building, Room 100

·      9 a.m. — faculty and all staff

·      10 a.m. — student body