As of January 25, 2016, Ball State’s president Paul Ferguson abruptly resigned from his position at a Board of Trustees meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana.
While the university sent an email to students informing them of the president’s request and approval for a two-month sabbatical leave, it has been confirmed that Ferguson’s contract will end on March 25.
No light has been shed as to why the president and the Board of Trustees made this decision, and university officials are not willing to give any clues as to what comes next for Ball State’s presidential spot.
“While the board and Dr. Ferguson are disappointed that this relationship has ended, we wish Dr. Ferguson and his wife, Grace, well in their future endeavors,” said board chair Rick Hall in a written statement.
For this situation at hand, chapter members of Her Campus Ball State have unanimously created a conclusive statement of our own in regards to the lack of university transparency and our hopes for Ball State’s future without President Ferguson:
“While the circumstances of President Ferguson’s departure are unclear, it raises questions for the Ball State Her Campus staff and other students in the Ball State community about the university administrations’ lack of transparency. With understanding that certain situations can not be made public during official university business and otherwise, this matter involving the president’s resignation has created many unanswered questions for students, faculty, alumni, community members, etc. While such a position of power, the public eye is extremely important to keep in mind. However, the current situation has created continued a lack of communication and trust between those in university leadership and the students, faculty and those affiliated with Ball State. While little time has passed, it is our hope that more information regarding the president’s resignation will be offered, as it should be necessary to inform such a large community of those impacted.
It is also our hope that the university stays committed to Ferguson’s Centennial Commitment and plans for the 18 by ’18. These agendas were doctored by and for the students of Ball State University, and to lose these promises for improved students growth in academics, research, community and likewise would be devastating and disappointing to all who have bore witness to first steps of these promises. Ball State continues to near its centennial celebration, and it is our hope that the next president of the university continues to garner and work with these goals. Her Campus Ball State is committed to giving our chapter members and students in the Ball State community the best experiences possible, and we hope the university continues to do the same on a larger scale.”
Email sent to students in regards to President Ferguson’s resignation from Ball State University