Mearns Talks ‘Bright and Bold’ Future For Ball State
(Image courtesy of Ball State University)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowBall State University’s next president is being touted as "exactly the leader Ball State needs to move us boldly into the next 100 years." During a public board meeting Tuesday that included a unanimous vote from the board of trustees, Board Chair Rick Hall said Geoff Mearns will arrive at a time "where the appetite for a Ball State education has never been stronger." Mearns currently serves as president of Northern Kentucky University and will become the Muncie campus’s 17th leader in August. The dedicated position has gone unfilled for more than a year and no reason was given at the time of previous President Paul Ferguson’s departure.
In a public question and answer session, Mearns was asked about his thoughts on the issue of transparency. "I believe that one of the things that is special about a university community is that all of us share responsibility for the commitment to the mission of the university and in order to encourage people to participate collaboratively and cooperatively, there is the need to be transparent," he said.
During his introduction, Mearns said he looks forward to working to help secure "a bright and a bold future" for Ball State. He said "Ball State is now recognized all across the state of Indiana and in the Statehouse here in Indiana for its role in enhancing economic development and promoting civic and cultural vitality. And that recognition is spreading from coast to coast and from continent to continent."
Trustee Matt Momper led the search committee that identified Mearns. He called the University of Virginia and Yale University graduate who has spent the last four years leading NKU "the total package." Momper added that Mearns "eloquently articulates a strong vision that ensures all members of the Ball State community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and friends, our legislators, local community members, all of our partners and stakeholders – will have meaningful roles in the shaping of Ball State’s future through our long-range strategic planning process and will also have every opportunity to enjoy the success that comes when we all work toward one goal."
Mearns professional experience also includes time as a law professor and eventual provost and senior vice president at Cleveland State University. as well as 17 years as an attorney.
You can read more about the appointment by clicking here.
In a public question and answer session, incoming Ball State University President Geoff Mearns was asked about his thoughts on the issue of transparency.