Mearns Begins as Ball State President

Mearns was introduced to Ball State in January.

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Geoff Mearns Monday begins his tenure as Ball State University president. During his introduction in January, Mearns said he looked forward to helping build "a bright and bold future" for Ball State, focusing on its role in economic development and promoting civic and cultural vitality.

Mearns most recently served as president of Northern Kentucky University, a job he took in 2012. His career also includes time as a law professor and eventual provost and senior vice president at Cleveland State University. He also spend 17 years as an attorney.

During the January introduction, Trustee Matt Momper, who lead the search committee, called Mearns "the total package." He says the University of Virginia and Yale University graduate’s vision ensures all members of the Ball State community "will have meaningful roles in the shaping of Ball State’s future."

Mearns succeeds Paul Ferguson, who announced his sudden resignation in January 2016. Terry King, who served in the role on an interim basis, announced that he will retire this summer.