New chancellor named for IU Southeast
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A 14-year veteran of the University of Wisconsin System has been named chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. Pending approval by the IU Board of Trustees, Deborah Ford will lead the campus in New Albany, succeeding Kelly Ryan, who is serving as interim chancellor for 2022-23 academic year.
Since 2009 Ford has served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The campus, with an enrollment of approximately 4,600 students, is in Kenosha. In addition to her campus responsibilities, Ford was the founding president of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood to transform 107 acres into an Innovation District.
“IUS is similar to UW-Parkside in many ways. The university’s mission is dedicated to student success and academic excellence. There is a high value placed on diversity, inclusion, and service to first-generation students. IUS desires to increase its impact across the Kentuckiana (Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville) region,” said Ford in a letter to the Wisconsin campus community.
It is a homecoming for Ford as she grew up in the Louisville area and earned her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. She received her Master of Education from IU.
“Chancellor Ford grew up in the Louisville metropolitan region near the IU Southeast campus, and she is excited to return home to make a positive difference on the campus and in the area,” said Susan Sciame-Giesecke, IU vice president for regional campuses and online education. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and 14 years of experience leading a campus very similar to IU Southeast.”
Before joining the UW System, Ford served as vice president for student affairs at the University of West Florida, and vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Spalding University in Kentucky.
“The vision for IU Southeast is compelling, and I am honored to join the learning community as chancellor,” said Ford. “President Pamela Whitten’s vision for Indiana University is inspiring, and the regional campuses serve a vital role in advancing education to students in communities throughout the state that is both attainable and affordable.”
Deborah Ford will assume the role July 1.