Ball State's vice president for university advancement has been named president of Methodist University in North Carolina.
Ben E. Hancock Jr. has been at Ball State since 2006 and headed the university's largest capital campaign in its history.
The initiative, Ball State Bold, is attempt to raise $200 million to help support scholarships, immersive learning experiences, campus improvements and a number of other projects. So far, the campaign has earned $198.6 million, according to the Ball State website.
Hancock said he is excited about his new position, but leaving is bittersweet.
"It's a difficult decision. I've just had a wonderful experience here. Ball State and the Muncie community has been very good to me," Hancock said. "One of my goals in my career was always to be a university president so for me it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."
He will be leaving Ball State on March 1.
Hancock oversees the different administrative areas included in university advancement at Ball State, such as University Development, Advancement Services and the Alumni Center.
Tom Taylor, Ball State vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications, who worked with Hancock on a number of projects, said the university is taking a loss by seeing Hancock go.
"We're going to lose a very talented fundraiser and a senior administrator who is a great collaborator," Taylor said. "Ben believes in the value of collaboration. He's all about getting the job done."
Although a successor for the vice president position hasn't been named yet, Hancock said he is optimistic about the direction that Ball State is headed in.
"The best days are yet to be at Ball State," Hancock said. "I really think Ball State is at an all-time high, and I don't think there's any signs that it will stop."
According to the Ball State website, Hancock worked on three fundraising campaigns, which raised more than $255 million, when he was vice president of institutional development at Albion College in Michigan.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
