The last academic year was one of the most turbulent in recent history.
It began with the resignation of President Blaine Brownell, continued with several tragic student deaths, two of which were highly publicized, and ended with students, administrators and city officials seemingly at each other's throats as everyone tried to figure out how to move on.
That year is over, though, and the beginning of the summer has given the university a chance to begin all over again. Jo Ann Gora, the chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Boston, has been hired as the new president of Ball State, replacing Brownell.
Gora's hiring not only gives Ball State a fresh start, it also gives the university hope.
Her vision for Ball State is that it become a much more well-known university. Students can hope that she is successful in her mission. And, considering her reputation, she might actually be able to achieve what she is setting out to do.
Gora said she wants to visit with the family of Michael McKinney and Karl Harford, the two students who died very publicized deaths. The university can now hope for more goodwill between itself and these families. The McKinneys especially have expressed unhappiness with Ball State. Whether their criticisms are misdirected, Gora might be able to help settle their issues privately, instead of in the courtroom.
Finally, Gora has a reputation as a fighter. She has not been described as a yes-man ( or -woman). There is hope that she will fight for the best interests of the students, the faculty and the staff, and not just the needs of the administration.
Hopefully, that will not lead to a hasty exit at the behest of the Board of Trustees.
Give Gora a chance. She's new around here. Nothing that has happened at Ball State recently is her fault or to her credit. Now's the time to wait and see what she can do.
Here's hoping she does well.
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