15th Ball State President Paul Ferguson impresses students with easygoing, personable demeanor

Sophomore urban planning and political science major James Wells, center, takes a selfie with new Ball State President Paul W. Ferguson, junior political science major Jason Pickell and Student Government Association Vice President Carli Hendershot on May 22. After the Board of Trustees announced Ferguson as the 15th president, he spoke to students, faculty and community members at a meet and greet. DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY

Paul Ferguson’s toothy smile filled the small reception room at Sursa Hall. The newly announced 15th Ball State president weaved between groups of students, faculty and community members, treating many to a handshake, bumping fists with others and even posing for a couple of selfies.

“Our house is your house,” Ferguson said at the presidential announcement Thursday, emphasizing his promise to the university to try his best not to bring drastic change to campus, but instead, to build on the university’s momentum.

“We are committed to preserving that legacy for you and with you, as we do incredibly great things over the next several years,” he continued. “We can’t do it without you, and we look forward to doing it with you day by day.”

Jason Pickell, a junior political science major, took a selfie with Ferguson, James Wells and Student Government Association Vice President Carli Hendershot at the meet and greet. Pickell said he was happy that the future president was willing to do that for a student.

“In the past, the administration hasn’t been that open to the students in taking selfies and stuff,” he said. “And I think that it is great that he wants to be more involved with the student body.”

Wells, a sophomore urban planning and political science double major, said Ferguson’s easygoing demeanor gave him the impression that he will be more open to students.

“It made me feel that I am appreciated as a student and as a human being because most of the time, [members of the] administration try to talk to each other [instead of students],” Wells said. “To ... actually reach out to the people that are here, that you are giving an education [to meant a lot].”

Ferguson’s relaxed manner made a good first impression to others, as well.

Jennifer Jones-Hall, assistant vice president for student affairs, said she was impressed with his almost Midwest mannerisms, which she described as “down home.”

“But I also love the fact he talked about making us a student-centered experience,” she said. “I believe we all truly work for that, but it’s nice to hear a president talk about a family, a student-centered experience.”

Ferguson is popular on campus as the current president of the University of Maine, said Judy Ryan, vice president for administration and finance at the school.

“[Ferguson] is so great with students, [he and his wife, Grace] care very much about students,” she said. “I have spent a lot of time with him in meetings working with students, faculty, staff and the community. And he is equally good and equally real with all of those constituents.”

Ryan said collaboration is a strength for Ferguson, who works to bring together different groups to complete his goals.

Ferguson isn’t alone though — he will work as a team with his wife to make sure Ball State students feel at home on campus.

“First of all, we love our students,” Grace Ferguson said. “I walk my dog on campus every day and meet students.”

She said she will work as an extra set of eyes and ears, sometimes getting information her husband might not hear otherwise.

Jones-Hall said she is looking forward to seeing the husband-and-wife team at work.

“I think his wife is a great partner in this move to Ball State,” she said. “It’s not going to be just Dr. Ferguson. It’s going to be a team with his wife, Grace, by his side throughout this whole thing.”

Alan Hovorka contributed to this story.

Here are Paul W. Ferguson's first words to the community, unedited, with photos and video from the announcement and the reception afterward. DN AUDIO SLIDESHOW ANTHONY LOMBARDI, DN PHOTOS BREANNA DAUGHERTY