Anyone who has ever given a speech in class, let alone a mass audience, can vouch for how nervewracking it can be. Even a mere cackle can throw the most trained of speakers off-track into a downward spiral of slurred words and unclear thoughts.
It can be all the more stressful when those very words are chosen on the fly; made in response to a plethora of questions and commentary from critics and fans alike. Ball State's recently named President Jo Ann Gora will be doing just that over the next few days.
It takes a lot of confidence in oneself and their knowledge in a given topic to bravely wander out into the public eye, facing an uncertain dodgeball game of questions to quickly answer. President Gora is wandering where few, if any, presidents have gone before, and students should note their appreciation by voicing their legitimate concerns this evening.
Yet, what is important to remember are the promises Gora will make while speaking these next few days. Many of these promises have previously been stated, hence the very reason for Gora's up-and-coming media appearances: public relations.
Last May, Gora said that she was looking forward to "working with students, faculty, senior leadership and the Board of Trustees to further enhance the visibility of the university." She went on to add that she was "strongly committed" to building better relationships with leaders both locally and state-wide.
It's August now, and just days ago Gora adressed the university faculty during an annual convocation. There, she outlined her thoughts on the university's past, present and future in a six page speech. Part of that speech included further evidence on her intentions to continue furthering Ball State's public relations, by working "internally and externally to further enhance the visibility of the university."
Ball State students, staff and faculty have heard this very song and dance before, but it appears as though Gora may be sticking to her word thus far. In that same speech, she spoke of her scheduled meetings with campus leaders, as well as city and state government and business officals. This is, after all, nothing new for Gora.
When her appointment was made last May, American Association of State Colleges and Universities President Constantine W. Curris said that Gora, who serves one of the association's representative boards, had done "an excellent job of reaching out to the external community to build a sense of engagement between a university and the region it serves."
We certainly hope she continues to do so.
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