THE DAILY NEWS
MONDAY, FEB. 9, 2015
VOL. 94, ISSUE 80
DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY
A reception was hosted on stage after President Paul W. Ferguson’s address to the university on Friday in John R. Emens Auditorium. Different colored lights covered the stage while he mingled with faculty, staff and students.
‘EVOLUTION, not a revolution.’ COMMUNITY REACTIONS
MEET THE PRESIDENT
MEET THE FIRST LADY
Ball State, Muncie officials share their thoughts on Ferguson’s address
Read about President Ferguson’s journey to Ball State
Grace Ferguson finds her place in the Ball State community
SEE PAGE 3
SEE PAGE 4
SEE PAGE 6
Leadership team to begin ‘18 by ‘18’ New group to implement ‘refreshed’ Ball State strategic plan
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all State President Paul W. Ferguson’s newly formed leadership team will carry out his vision for the university, which he unveiled Friday during his State of the University Address. The Strategic Planning Leadership Team comprises 23 members that include department chairs, trustees and professors. Ferguson will chair the team. STRATEGIC The group will carry PLANNING out a three-year cam- LEADERSHIP paign leading up to Ball TEAM State’s centennial in Find out who the 2018, titled the “Centen- 23 members of the team are. nial Commitment,” or “18 by ‘18.” The team is + PAGE 3 tasked with planning the implementation and providing updates on the plan’s progress. Ferguson called his approach an “evolution, not a revolution.” The three major themes of the Centennial Commitment are: Student-centered: Ferguson said his approach for his vision focused on allowing Ball State students to take risks in starting new business ventures to complement what they are studying. His goal is to get students to see education as a useful tool by letting them do projects that could form into businesses or careers. He also proposed the Ball State Centennial Student Endowed Fellowships, which will go toward the students of the class of 2018 that came in at the same time as he did. Ferguson and his wife will provide $50,000, which the university will match, to go toward 18 students in the 2018 class. Community-engaged: Ferguson also stressed building relationships in the community and building partnerships with real communities and businesses.
1. Promote student success 2. Provide extraordinary student life experiences 3. Provide innovative and entrepreneurial education 4. Provide contemporary and best practices in online education
ARIC CHOKEY NEWS EDITOR
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news@bsudailynews.com
DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY
Ball State’s 15th president Paul W. Ferguson informed audience members of his vision of the university for the next three years on Friday in Emens Auditorium. Ferguson wants to focus on student-centeredness, community-engagement and becoming a better public research institution.
Another goal is to assess Indiana to find opportunities for Ball State to establish partnerships for future immersive-like projects and ventures. Model of the 21st century public
research institution: To establish Ball State as a premier research institution, Ferguson proposed strategically allocating university funds to be used by faculty to try new practices and inno-
CENTENNIAL COMMITMENT’S 18 GOALS BY 2018 5. Enhance post-graduation career preparation 6. Promote and achieve diversity 7. Build relationships with all partners of the Indiana Higher Education system 8. Enhance cultural value and quality of life 9. Establish a strategic statewide impact 10. Lead statewide P-12 education reform
11. Enhance philanthropy to Ball State 12. D efine and support strategic national peer recognition 13. Enhance the role and impact of graduate education 14. Enhance the research profile 15. Enhance recognition as a national model for sustainability
vations. He stressed supporting a risktaking culture by encouraging faculty to apply for grant money for research projects. The vision also includes increasing project opportunities for students in graduate programs. With the decrease in state funding historically, the plan would eventually be sustained by increased extramural funding, which would come from private contracts and grants toward research and, eventually, as new potential revenue streams. Since the Jo Ann Gora administration, the university has been known for its Education Redefined campaign, but the future of Ball State lies in what Ferguson describes as “entrepreneurial learning.” To illustrate the entrepreneurial approach, Ferguson cited projects such as The Broken Plate, a student literary magazine, the “Circus in Winter” and the Freedom Bus project. Each of the projects were student-led and required the classes to engage with members of the community. Ferguson touted the approach as a refreshing of the former strategic plan and a nod to the original mission of the Ball Brothers and their weaving of business with educational experience and opportunity. “We just felt we needed to streamline that, refocus it a bit and make it a little more manageable,” he said. The Ball State president also unveiled initiatives for faculty to get them on board with his plan. One initiative includes a $3 million pot. Faculty will be able to apply for a piece of it to try new research projects. He proposed increasing funding by 50 percent for the faculty travel budget. “How can we be a 21st century school if we can’t get you out there?” Ferguson said at his address.
16. Provide a high quality work-life environment 17. Implement impactful academic, research and outreach programs 18. Review and implement best practices in university management SOURCE: bsu.edu/about/centennial-commitment
PAGE 2 | MONDAY, FEB. 9, 2015 | THE BALL STATE DAILY NEWS | BALLSTATEDAILY.COM
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DN PHOTOS BREANNA DAUGHERTY
Ball State President Paul W. Ferguson gave the State of the University address on Friday at John R. Emens Auditorium. Ferguson discussed his vision for the university. One topic was the three-year Centennial Commitment plan, or 18 by ‘18. The 18 goals are divided into three sections to represent each goal to be completed by 2018. A reception was hosted after Ferguson’s address on the stage. There, he and Grace Ferguson met with audience members, took selfies and enjoyed University Catering and the music playing in the background.
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MONDAY, FEB. 9, 2015 | THE BALL STATE DAILY NEWS | BALLSTATEDAILY.COM | PAGE 3
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY
Ball State, Muncie react to address Students, faculty hopeful for future under Ferguson | UNIFIED MEDIA STAFF REPORTS Following Ball State’s State of the University Address, members of the Ball State community and Muncie expressed their views on what Ball State’s new president had to say. Paul W. Ferguson said his address was based off of discussions he’s had with multiple departments and members of the Ball State community. “I particularly value that he has visited so many departments on campus and truly used the information gleaned in those meetings to inform the priorities discussed,” said Denise Seabert, chairperson of the department of physiology and health science. “His dedication to our faculty, staff, students and community are evident.” Thomas Jordan, chairperson of the physics and astronomy department, has been at Ball State through multiple presidents and said Ferguson’s openness is refreshing.
“I think from what I’ve gathered so far, he’s very open,” he said. “What I saw today and heard today I liked. It’s hard to get used to that after time. I’ve been through four or five presidents.” The three main goals of Ferguson’s plan include a focus on students, the community and a university-wide push on research. “It makes me very hopeful going forward,” said Kelli Huth, director of Building Better Communities Fellows program. “I think he’s willing to engage a lot of people in the conversation of what kinds of things we need to make things happen.” Ferguson’s plan also aims to better ties with the city of Muncie by encouraging students to be more involved through projects and their classwork. “I know Muncie cannot be successful without a strong Ball State University,” said Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler. “I believe President Ferguson also knows that in order for Ball State to be successful, they need a strong Muncie around them.” Since 2006, Ball State has implemented more than 100 immersive learning projects
that have involved members of the community, according to Ferguson’s State of the University presentation. But Ball State’s president said immersive learning is not inclusive enough. Jennifer Blackmer, director of immersive learning, said less than 30 percent of Ball State students participate in immersive learning projects. Ferguson’s goal is to rethink the idea into “entrepreneurial learning,” and increasing students’ focus on partnerships with local businesses and communities. “I think it is an outstanding plan because I believe it focuses on what is important to the State of Indiana,” said Rick Hall, chair of the Ball State Board of Trustees. “Really, it’s the taxpayers that invest in Ball State, and they expect us to produce graduates to have an impact on the economy and to move forward our communities in Indiana.” To Hall, the plan encompasses the idea of immersive learning but on a larger scale. “It’s an evolution trying to capitalize on what we already emphasize, and that is producing students who
Ball State trustees approve president’s revised vision Members of board meet before speech, review campus plans
available to seniors in 2018. The grant program will feature a $3 million pot that welcomes faculty to submit proposals on how they will transform their academic divisions to move in-line with ALAN HOVORKA the president’s plan. CHIEF REPORTER The last aspects of the plan afhovorka@bsu.edu will focus on enhancing the The Ball State Board of sponsored programs office to Trustees unanimously en- bring in more grant money, dorsed President Paul W. increasing travel grants and Ferguson’s revised vision for addressing the issues of low Ball State just hours before faculty salaries. Ferguson the president was set to un- said in his speech the university was making progress adveil it Friday. At 9 a.m. on Feb. 6, the nine- dressing faculty salaries, but member board met physi- “not fast enough.” President Ferguson cally and by phone in will lead the plan’s the Founder’s Room execution. of the L.A. Pittenger “The Centennial ComStudent Center. The mitment will be impleboard approved the mented by a newly president’s revised formed Strategic Planstrategic plan, The ning Leadership Team Centennial Commitwith Ferguson as its ment, renovations chair,” according to to Johnson B Com- RICK HALL a press release from plex and the renam- Chair of Board the university. ing of two buildings of Trustees, Rick Hall, chair of after donors. member since the Board of TrustFerguson’s 18-point 2007 ees, said Ferguson plan focuses on making Ball State a 21st century has begun reshaping and admodel research institution dressing workflow in the ofand embracing the idea of fices of sponsored programs, government entrepreneurial learning. The advancement plan comes as the university relations and community ennears its 100th birthday in gagement; enrollment man2018. New initiatives the plan agement and marketing; and focuses on are the Ball State communications. The board approved renoCentennial Student Endowed Fellowships and Academic Ex- vating the Schmidt/Wilson Residence Halls, commonly cellence Grants program. The fellowship is for the known as the Johnson B ComClass of 2018 and will be cre- plex. This plan follows the ated through a $50,000 con- confirmation that the newly Botsford/Swintribution from Paul and Grace renovated Ferguson. The university will ford Halls, known as Johnson match their donation. This A, will open in the spring and endowment will become be occupied in Fall 2015.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVALS • Endorsement of Centennial Commitment • Approved renovations to Johnson B Complex • Renaming of Center for Construction Management in the Applied Technology building • Unveiling of sexual assault awareness mobile app • Proposal of monthly investment audit reports The cost of Johnson B’s renovation is estimated at $40.1 million. Construction on the hall will begin in the summer and be completed by 2017. The board’s final business before adjourning until March or May was the renaming of the Center for Construction Management in the Applied Technology building. The center will be known as the Robert G. Hunt Center for Construction Management. The naming honors donors Diane and Bob Hunt, according to the press release. The other structure renamed was the Property Management Center, now called the Weidner Center for Residential Property Management. This honors W. Dean Weidner and Weidner Property Management. Bernard Hannon, the new vice president for business affairs and treasurer, notified the board it would save $650,000 through 2024 by refinancing a construction bond for a parking garage near the site of the planned McKinley Commons.
work together with other students,” he said. “That is what an entrepreneur has to do to be successful.” The hands-on projects are also important for better equipping students to get a professional job, said Kyle Pierce, student member of the Board of Trustees. “You as a student can do a job and have true experience, before you get the degree, that many universities do not have,” he said. “So when you go to that job interview and they say ‘Why should we hire you?’ you say ‘I’ve already done most of the things that you’ll have me do.’” On a wider view, the entrepreneurial approach also offers Ball State an opportunity to figure out its niche within Indiana. “I think what’s excited me about his comments is that for a number of years, I’ve been asking myself ‘What does it mean to be a Ball State man?’” said Hollis E. Hughes Jr., member of the Board of Trustees. “You know, there’s a Harvard man and a Yale man, but what does it mean to be a Ball State man? Well maybe he’s given us the answer to that, to be entrepreneurial.”
#STATEOFBSU ON TWITTER @jrgmckinney j. grutsch mckinney Hopeful for future of #ballstate after #StateofBSU today. Like the emphasis on creativity, risk taking, graduate programs, and faculty. Feb 6
@sbonahoom Spencer Bonahoom Grateful that I once again find myself at a university where servant leadership is emphasized. Success comes through giving. #StateofBSU Feb 6
@julieanntuttle Julie Tuttle Davis President’s #StateofBSU renewed my @BallState pride as alum and former employee. Plus kudos for his mention of “Give and Take” by Adam Grant Feb 6
@bsu_brad Brad King
Since @CenterForEMDD is one of the models for the new entrepreneurial learning at #StateofBSU, back to student recruiting trail now... Feb 6
@ebrungard Emily Brungard Hearing the #StateofBSU makes me excited to spend three more years here. I’m excited for the future of BSU. Excited for my education. Feb 6
@Robbie_Meh Robbie Mehling
Pres. Ferguson talks about BSU being financially well off with some of the lowest paid profs in the country. #stateofBSU Feb 6
STRATEGIC PLANNING LEADERSHIP TEAM The 23-member team will carry out the Centennial Commitment by analyzing ways to fund and implement the 18 goals by 2018. They will also be tasked with providing updates on the plan. Members of the team include: President Paul W. Ferguson: Chair Julie Hopwood: Interim Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications and Senior Advisor to the President (Co-Chair) Mike Goldsby: Distinguished Professor of Management/Entrepreneurship (Co-Chair) Jennifer Blackmer: Associate Professor of Theatre; Director of Immersive Learning Jen Bott: Associate Provost for Learning Initiatives Renae Conley: Member, Ball State Board of Trustees Wil Davis: President, Ball State Innovation Corporation Cathy Day: Associate Professor of English; Asst. Chair, Department of English Rahissa Engle: Secretary, Student Government Association Julie Halbig: Vice President for Government Relations and Community Engagement Bernie Hannon: Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer Amy Harden: Assistant Professor of Family and
Consumer Sciences; Chair, Faculty Senate Brian Hardin: Deputy Director of Athletics Alan Hargrave: Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Terry King: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tom Lauer: Distinguished Professor of Biology Roger Lavery: Professor of Journalism and Dean, College of Communication, Information, and Media Micah Maxwell: Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club of Muncie, Ball State alumnus Melinda Messineo: Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology Michel Mounayar: Associate Dean, College of Architecture and Planning Bob Morris: Professor of Chemistry, Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Cheri O’Neill: President/CEO BSU Foundation Phil Repp: Vice President for Information Technology SOURCE: bsu.edu/about/centennial-commitment
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PAGE 4 | MONDAY, FEB. 9, 2015 | THE BALL STATE DAILY NEWS | BALLSTATEDAILY.COM
STATE OF THE FERGUSONS
Meet
PAUL W. FERGUSON:
Ball State’s 15th president
New president adjusts after 7 months in office
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So it’s certainly new every day. I think I’m much more comfortable than I was seven months ago.
“The first year, you are really busy just trying to get it all in perspective,” he said. “Even just trying to remember who everybody is.” But no matter how many hands he shakes, Ferguson said he makes it a priority to remember everyone’s name. To him, people are keys to his understanding of how to lead a campus he isn’t completely familiar with yet. So far, he has met and talked with more than half of the university’s departments, presented to state legislators about three times and has shown up at various on-campus events, including the Freshman Convocation and the opening of Papa John’s in the Atrium. “By the end of the year, we’ll be there,” he said. “So it’s certainly new every day. I think I’m much more comfortable than I was seven months ago.”
EARLY YEARS
His path to Ball State began in the mid-70s. Ferguson had just completed his undergraduate work in biology at Whittier College in southern California, where he was from. The area at that time was in its early stages of becoming the founding site and current Mecca of modernday skateboarding. While some 20-year-olds in SoCal were jumping on the hype of skateboarding, Ferguson took a job as a researcher for a medical
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news@bsudailynews.com
center and a biolmaking in Maine ogist for a chemiYou just build and more than Gora cal manufacturer at the time of and figure out made before getting his her departure. doctorate from how to improve a “Certainly the salthe University of ary offered by Ball good operation. State University is California–Davis in toxicology and generous and absoPAUL FERGUSON, pharmacology. lutely wonderful to president of Ball State have,” he said. “The After graduate school, Ferguson salary at the Unihelped establish the Univer- versity of Maine was low, and sity of Louisiana’s first toxi- I was still grateful to be paid cology program. what I got.” “Those were some very The presidency at Ball State good memories for me being would also mean returning a young, junior faculty mem- to the Midwest, where he had ber in an exciting opportunity,” worked as provost and vice he said. “That’s experience chancellor of a branch of Souththat always stays with you, so ern Illinois University just bewhen you ask faculty to help fore he moved to Maine. you build programs, you were “To leave a very successful there. You know what it’s like.” institution is always mixed feelHis postgraduate path would ings,” Ferguson said. “I mean, take him through multiple you love what you do and you teaching and administrative love what it’s been and you positions in Nevada, Louisiana, make really great, great friends Illinois and Maine. in college.”
GETTING THE JOB
Ferguson, his wife, Grace, and their massive labrador retriever, Charleigh, came to Ball State during what he calls a high point in his presidency at the University of Maine. He had rolled out the Blue Sky Project during his three-year presidency there. The project was a plan to bolster Maine’s state university by means of research funding and graduate programs. Ferguson was going to set the university up to outgrow its budget deficit. The university had seen increases in enrollment and progress in closing a gap in its budget shortage while he was there. Since his departure, the university and its branches still face a combined $69 million deficit and potential job cuts today, according to the Portland Press Herald. Before he came to Ball State, the University of Maine had been in a financial slump, which Ferguson aimed to bandage with the project during his time there. “I hadn’t considered a change at the time, but it kind of just came to a point where I had a real sense of accomplishment and the real challenge that I felt I could help take Ball State to a different level,” he said. Ferguson said he felt he could use his strengths in research projects at Ball State better than he could at Maine. The offer from Ball State would pay him $180,000 more than the $270,000 he was
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ven with the lights and cameras, Paul W. Ferguson maintained the calm and collected composure of someone who was comfortable with talking about how to lead a public university. He’s been a president before and knows how to handle interviews, but Ball State is still new to him. For the past seven months, Ball State’s new president has spent a lot of his time getting acquainted to his new position following his presidency at the University of Maine. He’s had some help getting a taste of the area from local pastry shops, which he said he was told he had to try when he came to town. “The peanut butter chocolate cookies,” he said. “We’ve tried that.” Visiting Concannon’s was more than just getting comfort food at a local must-see. It was engagement in a community that he’s trying to understand. He said a current priority for him is to gauge the concerns of the Ball State community. That has also meant meeting more people than he can count to gain perspective.
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BECOMING A CARDINAL
After moving from one side of the country to the opposite end, the Fergusons were well acquainted with the art of settling in by the time they got to Bracken House. “It’s all about making everything familiar,” Grace said. Though Ball State usually provides furnishings to the presidents who take up residence in Bracken House, the Fergusons chose to use their own furniture. He also brought familiar people with him into his cabinet, including former aide Julie Hopwood, who is now his chief of staff. But since he stepped into office on Aug. 1, 2014, Ferguson inherited the campus of former president Jo Ann Gora, who was the first female president of Ball State. She established Ball State’s pinnacle immersive learning programs, launched the university’s Education Redefined marketing strategy and oversaw the expansion of campus through the geothermal system and other facility expansions. Though Gora’s resume from her time at Ball State may have set the bar high for her successor, Ferguson said she gave him a solid start for his reign. “You really celebrate the
successes and foundations built by your predecessors,” he said. “Isaac Newton said, ‘You see vision, you see the future based on you standing on the shoulders of giants.’ Whether that be Jo Ann Gora, John Worthen or Dick Emens. You just build and figure out how to improve a good operation.” Despite the head start Gora’s administration set, Ferguson didn’t exactly step in at an easy time. The university had just announced it was the victim of two investment fraud cases that resulted in $13 million of losses, which the Indiana Secretary of State is still investigating. The education programs at Ball State, which have been the hallmark of the university, have seen significant declines in enrollment. In addition, he’s listened to individuals’ concerns about issues on campus. “It was a long list. I mean, everybody has priorities,” he said. “I think my challenge as president is to be inclusive and listen to those, and then I have to define what makes sense and what doesn’t make sense.” Since this year is a budget year for Indiana, Ferguson has been tasked with asking for money from a state that has reduced funding to Ball State consistently for the past 25 years. “We have to be lean and mean and I think we have to be exercising best practices in everything that we do,” he said. But even in the midst of reduced support from the legislature, he remains positive about the communication he’s had so far with the state.
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We’re not going to be able to rule by democracy, because we have to manage the university, but we will be inclusive. And that will be the characteristic of the Ferguson administration.
“They have an understanding of what we need. They don’t give us everything we want, which would be nice, but the dialogue is very good,” Ferguson said. “With that context of ‘money just doesn’t grow on trees,’ it does challenge us to be much more directive and much more successful in showing how well the institution is run.” While Ferguson said it was too early to say what kind of legacy he wants to leave behind, he knows what type of leader he wants to be for Ball State. “It’s that important to be that engaged and to really appreciate where you’re coming from,” he said. “We’re not going to be able to rule by democracy, because we have to manage the university, but we will be inclusive. And that will be the characteristic of the Ferguson administration.”
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ARIC CHOKEY NEWS EDITOR
BALL BEARINGS PHOTO LAUREN DAHLHAUSER
MONDAY, FEB. 9, 2015 | THE BALL STATE DAILY NEWS | BALLSTATEDAILY.COM | PAGE 5
STATE OF THE FERGUSONS
FERGUSON’S 40-YEAR JOURNEY
ONLINE
View an interactive version of the timeline at ballstatedaily.com
Ball State’s 15th president took office on Aug. 1, 2014. Here is his career before Ball State.
1981 Ferguson earns his doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of California-Davis.
2001 Ferguson then moved to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and served as senior vice provost.
1970s
2003 He was appointed as the vice president for research and graduate studies at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. According to his bio on the university’s website, he increased annual funding from research and contracts from $59 million to $95 million. The number of graduate programs also increased from 74 to 108 during his tenure.
1980s
1974 Paul W. Ferguson received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Whittier College in Whittier, Calif.
1993 He returned to the University of Louisiana-Monroe, where he was appointed dean of graduate studies and research.
2006 Ferguson went to the Midwest and was appointed provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the Edwardsville campus of Southern Illinois University. He also taught pharmacology and toxicology courses.
1990s
1995 Ferguson was appointed as vice provost at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
May 22, 2014 The Ball State University Board of Trustees announced Ferguson as the university’s 15th president at a press conference in Sursa Hall. The board voted unanimously to appoint Ferguson after a five-month search. Ferguson’s salary at the University of Maine at the time of his departure was $270,000.
2010s
2000s
1999 Ferguson served as the dean of the graduate college at University of Louisiana-Monroe.
July 2011 Ferguson was named the 19th president of the University of Maine Systems at the flagship campus in Orno, Maine. He was appointed unanimously by the System’s Board of Trustees and started with a base salary of $250,000. He lead an initiative called the Blue Sky Project that focused on building up research initiatives and economic partnerships to increase research funding for the university.
SOURCES: umaine.edu, bsu.edu, bangordailynews.com
DN| Classifieds
Aug. 1. 2014 Ferguson began his five-year term at Ball State with a base salary of $450,000, topping previous president Jo Ann Gora’s $446,338.
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3 BDRM. All util. paid. 50 inch TV. 2 ****NEWER 3 bdrm house. 3 blcks BA. W/D. D/W. Close to BSU. $325 from Village. Lots of extras. Aug 15' lse. Call David 317-640-1627 !!!!Now leasing for the 2015-2016 per person. 744-4649. Aug Lease. school yr. 1 bdrm apt. $470/mo + util. Studio apt $420 mo/+util. Bar- ***********Affordable, walk to ****NEWER 4 BDRM houses Great Tel Apartments 1616 W Gilbert St. class, great location, 4 bdrm apts locations/condition, many extras. Visit www.bsrentals.com or call available May or August, part or all Aug 15' lse. David 317-640-1627 WELCOME WEEK LEADERS Doug at 765-744-3593 utilities paid, A/C W/D, walktoballWANTED ****NEWER 4/5 Bdrm. state.com (765) 896-8105 The Office of Orientation is seeking Newly redone, loaded, Aug 15' 1 & 2 bdrm apts Aug.'15 all amenitto employ students as Welcome ies, www.housesnearbsu.com or ***********Affordable, walk to lse. call David 317-640-1627 Week Leaders to work approximately 20-25 hours during Welcome call 765-717-9331 class, great location, 3 bdrm apts Week to help incoming freshman available May or August, part or all ****U DESERVE THE BEST**** $600.00 sign on bonus move into the residence halls and ***BSU apts, close to campus, utilities paid, A/C W/D, walktoballwww.fusecollegerentals.com to promote and assist at Welcome 1,2&3 bdrm,utils includ off-st prkg, state.com (765) 896-8105 Week events from August 18-23 Call765-228-8458 or 765-749-4688 ***3 BDRM. 3 blocks from campus. Submit an application and sign up ***********Affordable, walk to All util. paid. A/C. D/W. W/D. Avail. for an interview online at the follow***RATCHFORD PROPERTIES*** class, great location, 2 bdrm apts August. No pets. 760-4529 ing address: >Great Apts. & Houses! available May or August, part or all bsu.edu/admissions/ >Best Locations for 1,2,3,4 BR on & utilities paid, A/C W/D, walktoballwelcomeleader 1 bdrm, extra nice, W/D, D/W, MiNear Campus state.com (765) 896-8105 Applications due February 27 cro, A/C, prkg, private&secure, >Affordable Prices >Some Utilities Paid! Laundry Facil- ***********Affordable, walk to $495/mo., Aug lse, 765-717-9332 greatbsurentals.com ity, Some with Pets Roommates class, great location, 1 bdrm apts ***CALL OR TEXT 748-6407*** 130 available May or August, part or all 1204 West Abbott. 4 BDRM. Close Wanted www.ratchfordproperties.com utilities paid, A/C W/D, walktoballto campus. $275 each. W/D. A/C. state.com (765) 896-8105 Roommate needed. All utils inAug Lease. Call 260-243-1395 cluded. House/apt. $315 per month. ***1 & 2 BDRM Apartments. Close to Village area. All util. paid. Free Call 765-744-4649 Leasing Now. 2-3 BDRM, 1-4 blks wifi. Avail. May or August. No pets. to BSU. No Pet. W/D. some Util. in- 1221 Abbott. 2 BDRM/ 1 Ba. W/D. $750 + util. No smoking, No pets. 1 760-4529 cluded 289-3971 yr Lease. 284-5741. 140 Subleasers
3 bdm 2405 N. Hollywood 660/mo + utils. 9mo or yr lse. Start Aug call 303-324-6738
Camp Mataponi, a children's summer camp in Maine, has positions available in Land Sports, Sailing, Boating, Waterskiing, Ropes Course, Tennis, H.B. Riding, Arts & Crafts, Theater, Dance, Gymn a s t i c s , V i d e o , P h o t o g r a p h y, Nurses, and more. Top salaries plus room/board provided. 561-7483684 or campmataponi.com.
!!!!! 1,2, & 3 BR Jan, May, and Aug Leases Avail! The 400 Apartments -- 818 W. Riverside, Call 765-288-6819 or visit www.400apartments.com
170
Houses For Rent
Awesome 6 bd. 2ba house. three levels, deck, d/w, AC, off street parking, $355 ea. incl. util., aug. lease, no pets, call or text 765-2128992
Great loc. beside Lafollete. $325/ month. 1508 Woodridge. 4 BD 1 3 Bdrm. Basement. New Kitchen. BTH Stove, Fridge, W/D. Central Near BSU campus off street prkg. AC. Parking. Aug. lease. Call (765) W/D, A/C,Aug-Aug 765-215-4591 617-8989. www.bsu-rentals.com 3 bdrm 1805 Rosewood Aug. '15 www.housesnearbsu.com or 765- Lovely 4 BR -2 BA 105 N Calvert -lg rms, W&D off st pkg,$350/375 ht & 717-9331 wtr pd. 765-284-4287
4 bdr on University ave, $325 ea, incl cable & internet, W/D, Aug. ***Nice large 5 bdrm, 709 Riverlease, 937-546-7344 sideclose to BSU.C/A, W/D, off st. park. 765-228-8458 or 765-7493+ bdrm 1 ba 1410 W. Jackson, 4688. W/D inclu. $900/mo + utils, plenty of off St. prkg, Avail. Aug 2015 Nice, clean houses close to camCall/Text Carrie @ 765-744-1198 pus. School year lease available. 4 bdrm, 2 bth, 605 Alameda 4-5 bdrm, 2 ba, $350/stdt, 5 blks $1,000 + util. ; from campus, on/off st prkg, W/D, 3 bdrm, 1 bth, 1505 Woodridge D/W, Avai Aug 2015, 812-361-3759 $900 + util. ; 1 bdrm, 202 1/2 N. Calvert $375 + Leasing for next Fall 1-5 Bdrm, 1- util. 5 blks to BSU, W/D, C/A & 2 Full Call for prices: (765) 208-0325. BA.+utils. No pets. 289-3971 ***6 BDRM . 3 blocks from campus. Nicest houses on campus. Many 3.5 bath. A/C. W/D. B/W. All utilit- extras. Even a 6 bdrm. Also student ies paid. avail Aug 2015. 760-4529 parking available. Call 286-5216.
2 bdrm by Studebaker off st. pk. 1417 Abbott. 5 BDRM2 2 Ba. $375 W/D A/C, $340 ea. Incl. sew. 748each + util. W/D. D/W. 1 yr lease. 9145, 749-6013, 282-4715. No smoking and no pets. 284-5741
Quality Houses, 309 Tillotson, 507/509 Riverside, 3001 Devon, 2116 Ball, 4 and 5 bdrms. www.BSUrentals.com or 729-9618.
Single or 2 bdrm May/Aug !!!! 3 bdrm Apartments, W/D, C/A, 2 Bdrm apt. 814 W.North St. 9 Blks 1 yr Lease, walk to BSU, most util. 2 bdrm, 1 ba, D/W, W/D, A/C, Adorable&Affordable NEW! Large Off st parking, 514 N. Martin. from BSU, A/C, near laundry, prkg, paid, off st parking avail, no pets, bsmt., gar., VERY CLEAN, close to 3BR 2BA starts $699. 1st mo free! www.signaturet.com 765-808-6107 $600/mo. utils pd. 765-744-7574 CALL JUDY 744-4125 BSU, $750/mo. (260)444-8481. Countryside Estates 7652889740
$600.00 sign on bonus www.fusecollegerentals.c om
1 bd, 816 W. North St., Avail. May. N O W L E A S I N G F O R 1 5 - 1 6 Upstairs, no pets, furnished, util. SCHOOL YEAR!! Cardinal Corner inc, parking, $400/mo, 744-7574 apts, 3 bdrms, w/d, off-street parking, GREAT Locations Leasing for next fall. 1-3 BDRM www.BSURentals.com or 729$300 all included! Empty house for Apartment, 2-4 blks to BSU. No 9618. summer. Behind RB, 3 min walk to pets. 289-3971 BSU. May-July sublease. 615-927Share housing w/ 5 girls, start May 5770 1-3 BR Apartments, FREE WIFI, 7th, 360/ month, 2 blks from cammost UTILITIES INCLUDED. The- pus, 317-446-0334 Apartments CampusEdge.com 765.286.2806 160
1 Room in 4 rm unit @ Village Promenade. $655/mo. Lease until 7/31/15. Email aguiden@bsu.edu
For Rent
6 bdrm by Studebaker off st. pk. 1604 W. Adams. 2 or 3 BDRM/1 W/D A/C, $300 ea. Incl. sew. 748SHARP 3/4 BR-2 BA home- near Ba. $700 + util. W/D. 1 yr lease. No 9145, 749-6013, 282-4715. BSU - lg rms, W&D pkg. $330 ea smoking, No pets. 284-5741 Ht & Wtr pd. 765-284-4287 616 N. Alameda Ave and 604 N. 2 bdrm very nice house + sunrm, Alameda Ave. 3-4 Bdrm Houses. bsmt, gar, W/D, C/A, near BSU, August 2015 Lease. 765-215-6281 * * * U D E S E R V E T H E Aug lse. 765-215-4591 www.alamedaBSUrentals.com BEST***
Get connected with campus Today’s Birthday (2/9/15) Partnership generates fortune this year. Cement old bonds as new ones form. Many hands make light work, especially with seemingly impossible, huge or entrenched goals. Miracles arise in collaboration. Income surges after 3/20. Step into a new direction with research after 4/4. A shared financial opportunity arises after 10/13. Come together for community thriving. Share your heart. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 9. Spend time with your crew today, close to home. Play with friends and family. Take care of something you said you’d do. Check to be sure your message gets through. Keep it simple and to the point.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is an 8. You’ve got the gift of words today. Use them with someone close to you. Deepen friendships. Create better sales talk. Talk to your team, and listen. Consult with a respected mentor. Choose the message.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is an 8. Talk to your friends for greatest impact today. Make and receive promises. Work together to handle a job that’s coming due. Get social, either in person or online. Connect with your circles.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 9. Do simple work now. Productivity reaps extra reward today. Focus on providing excellence. Short-term priorities hold your focus. Take one step at a time, with attention to detail. Winning is fun, and possible. Do the homework.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 9. Focus on immediate objectives, and rake in the dough. The situation could seem delicately balanced. Be careful not to stumble. Hold your head up. Never let them see you sweat. Put in the effort and profit.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8. Take charge, but be nice about it. Assume authority, and schedule commitments rigorously. Delegate what you can. Use what you’ve got. Lively music sets the tone. Focus on one action at a time, and profit.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is an 8. Studying and practicing something you love goes well today. Changes are apt to work out in your favor. Results are positive. Your discipline is impressive, too. Avoid a controversial topic. Play for a good cause.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 9. You can get whatever you need. Be very careful now. Don’t get cocky, or you could miss an opportunity. Go ahead and play the hero... someone appreciates the help. Enjoy a little friendly competition.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is an 8. Explore a lesser-known part of your own backyard or neighborhood. Discover new flavors and sensations. Try on new ideas. It doesn’t need to be expensive in time or money. Savor a short excursion. Learn new tricks.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 7. Take care of urgent matters first. Conditions seem unsettled. Don’t overlook an important task. Let family help you streamline your routine. Allow extra time for unexpected circumstances. Choose an astute partner. Learn from a child.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7. Recharge your batteries while you review the plan. Finesse the details. Think things through to their logical consequences. Maintain some mystery. Broaden your horizons and push boundaries. Prepare but don’t go yet. Peaceful rest rejuvenates.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8. Handle insurance or financial paperwork. Make repairs to valuable equipment. Save spare parts. Put on some good music and get into organizational productivity mode. Invite your partner to join in. Your relationship grows stronger with time.
(c) 2007, Tribune Media Services Inc. Distributed by McClatchyTribune Information Services.
B A L L S T A T E D A I L Y . C O M
PAGE 6 | MONDAY, FEB. 9, 2015 | THE BALL STATE DAILY NEWS | BALLSTATEDAILY.COM
STATE OF THE FERGUSONS
Leading with Grace:
Community, passion motivate Ball State’s first lady
A job to ‘love the people’
O
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amanfredini@bsu.edu
n a gloomy, January afternoon in the president’s office at Ball State University, first lady Grace Ferguson sat, glancing at a table covered in framed family photos of herself, her husband, Ball State President Paul W. Ferguson, and their three children. She reminisced on the winter of 1957, when a blizzard blew outside the windows of her father’s ’57 Chevrolet as the family drove away from their home in Alberta, Canada, to southern California to start a new life. After Grace became a naturalized American citizen at 18 years old, she completed two years at Fullerton College, earning an Associate of Arts degree. During this time, she
also met, fell in love and became engaged to Paul. Following his graduation from Whittier College and their marriage, Paul and Grace moved to Davis, Calif., where he completed his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of California-Davis. Grace delayed the completion of her degree, working to facilitate their graduate school experience. Paul accepted his first faculty position at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Because Grace had a passion for photography and a strong interest in human nature, she decided to complete her bachelor’s degree in journalism at ULM. Ten years after being married, they started a family.
As she began her new life, little did she know she would move multiple times and eventually accompany her husband to two universities as the first lady — the University of Maine, and now, Ball State. When she spoke about her experiences as the first lady for the past four years, her engaging smile lit the room. “I wondered: am I going to be able to do this well? Am I going to embarrass my husband? How is this all going to play out?” Grace said. “And I remember [Paul] just very lovingly said, ‘You know, it is my responsibility to lead this university. I need you to do what you do best: just love the people.’” After Paul became the president of the University of Maine in 2011,
Grace said. “We have come out of a time in our country’s history, a recession, and Muncie itself had suffered when a lot of the industries left. When I drive around town, what I see is a resilient community, a community that took a hit but is still going strong. I would like to see that continue.” Grace looks forward to getting involved with Muncie’s community in whatever way she can, but her biggest focus is on the community’s youth. “We want to make sure our kids are growing up with their basic needs met. And as they grow up, that it’s healthy and safe for them, and as they get into adulthood that that continues,” Grace said. Within a few months of living in Muncie, Grace got involved with youth in the community. On a sunny afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie, a dozen children sat cross-legged on a carpeted floor on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, listening to Grace read Maya Angelou’s “My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me,” a story about a South African girl and her chicken that illustrates diversity. Grace interacts with children at the Boys and Girls Club of Muncie to get involved and engage with the community. “She and President Ferguson remember everyone’s name,” said Jennifer Jones-Hall, assistant vice president for student affairs and director of student life at Ball State. “I am also impressed with her desire to get involved with the students, the campus community and the Muncie community at large.” Grace said she looks forward to working on a goal that will connect the town with student
BALL BEARINGS PHOTO LAUREN DAHLHAUSER
Grace Ferguson was nervous about being the first lady when her husband, Ball State President Paul W. Ferguson, came into office. She was afraid of embarrassing Paul. Grace began to read self-help books about how to talk to people. She credits her dog Charleigh with helping her meet students because she walks him on campus and says he’s an icebreaker for conversations.
Grace began to read self- golden retriever, Charhelp books on how to be leigh, was, too. a first lady and talk to Charleigh holds a big people in preparation place in their hearts. She for her role. She focused keeps them company at on enhancing a spirit of home and enjoys meeting community among staff, students on campus when students and faculty. It Grace takes him for walks. wasn’t long before she “He’s a very big dog. And realized that I’ve had peothe university THE FIRST LADY ple say ‘Is that was her new To see this story and more a small horse photos of Grace, Paul, family. or a very large Then in 2012, Charleigh and their home, deer?’” she Grace was in- go to ballbearingsmag.com said laughing. vited to open “Gentle Giant the gate at the Orono Bog is what we call him.” Boardwalk, a joint project In the days following of the University of Maine, Grace’s move into Brackthe city of Bangor and en House, she took Charthe Orono Land Trust. leigh for a walk through She led a group of volun- Ball State’s campus, teers on the first walk of along Minnetrista and the year. During the open- as far as Scheumann Staing of the walk, Grace pre- dium. She noticed that sented a short speech on students responded well the significance of Oro- to Charleigh’s warm and no’s community. comforting presence af“She was very good,” said ter a long day of classes. Jim Bird, director of Orono “Often times, they just Bog Boardwalk. “People need a hug. And that’s very much enjoyed her. why I bring Charleigh on She was very poised–no campus,” she said. “It’s a notes, just talking.” great way to meet peoBird and Grace met a ple. He’s an icebreaker.” couple of times for cofAfter settling in and fee to talk about the getting a feel for the boardwalk project and community in Muncie, share helpful reports. He Grace was impressed described her as a “gra- with the warm welcome cious lady” who has a she felt. From what she passion for community. hears from students on From helping construct Ball State’s campus and an all-access park to within the community, serving as a math tutor it seems to her as if they and event chaperone at have a positive relationinner-city public elemen- ship with each other. tary schools, Grace made “Here, people are not it a goal to enhance the just friendly; they really quality of community life want to get to know you. and public education in They really want to inOrono, Maine. corporate you into their “My responsibility was life; they want you to be to care for these people. a part of it,” she said. And that carries over [at Grace said she is imBall State],” Grace said. pressed with the culIn May 2014, when tural aspect of Muncie, Paul earned a “tremen- especially the work dous opportunity” to Minnetrista is doing be the 15th president and the programs at the of Ball State Univer- Muncie Children’s Musity, Grace reacted with seum that allow families a “Woohoo!” But they and children to become weren’t the only ones ex- more involved together. cited for the move; their “I think there is a lot of 9-year-old, 120-pound potential for our town,”
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AISTE MANFREDINI BALL BEARINGS REPORTER
DN FILE PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY
And I remember [Paul] just very lovingly said, ‘You know, it is my responsibility to lead this university. I need you to do what you do best: just love the people.’ GRACE FERGUSON, Ball State’s first lady
groups. She enjoys participating in women’s groups like Discovery: Ball State Women’s Fund, an organization of women who support projects for all students and programs at Ball State through philanthropy. Beth Lustig, Discovery development liaison, said Grace’s first interaction with the organization was at the December 2014 holiday luncheon for Discovery members in Indianapolis. “I spoke with a few individuals about Mrs. Ferguson’s engagement at the event, and she was very approachable and interested in learning about other’s passions. She is very engaging,” Lustig said.
Grace said she has no regrets and has appreciated every opportunity in life so far. From caring for her own family to two large families at Ball State and The University of Maine, she hopes that years down the road she and Paul will be remembered as “the couple that cared.” Today, Grace continues her search for community organizations to get involved with and hopes to help her husband move the university forward. “Change is a process,” she said, in response to the idea of a New Year’s resolution. “I want the general trajectory to be: I’m doing better, I’m being a better person.”
Outback Concerts & Pacific Coast Concerts Proudly presents in Muncie, Indiana
GREAT TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
Friday February 13th, 2015 • 8:00pm Emens Auditorium • Ball State University Muncie, Indiana Tickets available at the Emens Box Office and allTicketmaster Outlets, Charge - by - Phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com For more information call the Emens box office at (765) 285 - 1539.