Faculty members think highly of new president

At the end of the first week of classes, students weren’t the only ones who had opinions on Ball State’s new president Paul Ferguson.

Many faculty members had positive things to say about Ferguson from the brief interactions they had with him.

John Lorch, chair of the mathematical science department , said the only interaction he has had with Ferguson was in the lobby of John R. Emens Auditorium, prior to his address to faculty on Aug. 16. He introduced himself and some of his mathematical science faculty, before listening to Ferguson speak.

“I find him to be refreshingly approachable,” Lorch said. “He seems just very nice and someone you might really feel comfortable talking to. University presidents aren’t always like that I suppose.”

He said it’s difficult to see the clear differences between former President Jo Ann Gora and Ferguson, since he doesn’t work in upper administration.

“I do know that in the academic leadership meeting, he expressed a commitment to teamwork in the university, and not making it simply a top down affair,” Lorch said. “That I perceive is a little bit new. There is an emphasis on collaboration, as opposed to top down directives.”

Bill Jenkins, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, said he had an email exchange with Ferguson, in addition to listening to his speech.

Jenkins invited him to the department’s shows and said he received a great email from him in response.

So far, he is impressed with Ferguson.

“I think in general, he seems like he is going to be a terrific leader for Ball State,” Jenkins said. “I think as a whole, all of the folks on the faculty are very impressed and taken with his focus on Ball State as a large extended family. Here in theatre and dance, we really respond to that because we all feel very much like we’re part of a large collaborative team that’s working together to change the lives of students.”

James Ruebel, dean of the honors college, is optimistic about the future of Ball State as well.

“Everything so far looks real good,” Ruebel said. “I really like his emphasis on academic affairs and on student learning. That’s why I came here.”

Ruebel said he has noticed a difference in styles between Gora and Ferguson.

“He is considerably more laid back in his manner and speech,” Ruebel said. “[Gora] was a splendid public speaker I think. She certainly gave some boosts to the honors college.”

Robert Kvam, dean of the College of Fine Arts, also thinks highly of the new president.

“President Ferguson is a breath of fresh air,” Kvam said. “He promises to be transparent and collaborative, both attributes which will be welcomed by me and my fellow deans ... He will put academics and quality education at the forefront of all we do.”