I found it quite appropriate that the story of my appointment as Ball State University's 14th president appeared on a page facing Ed Shipley's "Comment" in the July issue of the Ball State Alumnus.

Ed and I share more than that space in the magazine; we share a sense of pride in our university. Ed wrote that he could not recall the last time he was as proud to be an alumnus and staff member of Ball State as he is now. I cannot think of a better time to become president of Ball State than now.

As I researched Ball State prior to my appointment, I was struck by the distinctive approaches the university took as it worked to achieve its educational mission and be regarded as a national leader in higher education. One has only to look around at the impressive number of outstanding programs to see that innovative thinking and decisive action by dedicated individuals has helped drive the university forward.

During two recent visits to campus--in May for the announcement of my appointment and in June to meet the university's senior leaders--I had the opportunity to speak with some of the people who played a role in instituting those programs. Rather than dwelling on past accomplishments, however, most people at Ball State are eager to focus on what they are working on now and what they hope to achieve in the future. There is a deep sense of commitment among faculty, staff, students, and administrators to making Ball State an even more outstanding institution.

I left the campus convinced that these efforts will play an important role in advancing Ball State. As your president, I will be out front, telling our story to those who know us and those who don't so that Ball State receives the praise it deserves.

Recognition of our excellence is critical to attracting state and federal support, gifts, and grants that will fund research initiatives, allowing the university to use its resources to contribute to the state's economy, and enhancing the educational opportunities we provide for our students.

As I go around the state and beyond spreading the word about Ball State's achievements and aspirations, I hope to meet as many of you as possible. I plan to be extremely visible. I have ideas about where I see Ball State going, but input from you, our alumni, is a vitally important part of our entire community continuing to pursue a shared vision for the direction of Ball State.

Ed described the university's accomplishments as "strides"and they are impressive. Now, let's see if we can't lengthen those strides into the leaps and bounds the university is poised to make.

Jo Ann M. Gora is president of Ball State University. She officially assumed her new role August 9.