Hancock, who has been vice president for institutional development at Albion College in Michigan since 1989, will succeed Don Park, who will retire June 30 after leading Ball State's advancement area for 14 years.

During Hancock's tenure, Albion College successfully completed three comprehensive campaigns: the $140 million Liberal Arts at Work campaign, the $75 million Campaign for Generations and the $40 million Campaign for Albion. Also under his leadership, average annual alumni giving to the college has reached a consistent 50 percent participation rate in recent years.

Hancock currently is responsible for alumni and parent relations, communications, corporate and foundation relations, development, and gift and estate planning. He also works closely with the president on trustee relations. He has been actively involved with strategic planning and program development at Albion during his 17-year tenure.

"Ben has an incredible depth of experience based on nearly 30 years in advancement at institutions both public and private, large and small," said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. "He has demonstrated his abilities as a strategic leader of integrated advancement efforts, and his fundraising track record is outstanding.

"I've talked with leaders in the advancement profession all around the country, and there is no question Ben is regarded as a true leader in his field. Our search committee found him articulate, thoughtful and focused. I am confident he will generate enthusiasm and lead with great success at Ball State."

At Ball State, Hancock will oversee the establishment of effective fundraising and alumni relations strategies, systems, networks and practices. In addition, he will directly supervise the administrative area of University Advancement, which comprises University Development, Advancement Services, International Advancement, Alumni Programs and the Ball State University Alumni Center. University Advancement has 46 employees and a budget of more than $4 million.

"It is truly an honor to join the Ball State family," Hancock said. "Don Park and his team have developed a successful and highly regarded advancement program. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to work with President Gora and all members of the university community in moving the university forward.

"Philanthropic support has never been more critical to public universities, and Ball State is uniquely positioned to make a compelling case for continued and increased generosity from alumni and friends who believe in its mission."

Prior to joining Albion College, Hancock was director of development and executive director of the university's foundation at Boise State University from 1984 to 1989 and a director of university relations at Penn State University from 1981 to 1984. He began his work in higher education in 1977 as director of alumni services at James Madison University and then moved into the position of director of development and alumni relations at Maryville College from 1979 to 1981.

Hancock earned a bachelor's degree in Russian studies in 1974 and a master's degree in education in 1975 from James Madison University. He completed his doctorate in 2004 at the University of Virginia in comparative and international education.

Since earning his doctorate, Hancock has continued to engage in scholarly and professional activity in the area of developing philanthropic and socially responsible university communities. His international involvement includes a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh in 1988 and a Russell Mawby Fellowship at Oxford University in 1998.

He and his wife, Debbie, a special education teacher in Albion public schools, have five adult children: Jesse (married to Joel Langeland), Sarah, Ben III, Matthew and Andrew.

As an emeriti, Park will continue to assist Ball State with selected projects in the coming years, Gora said.

"The university deeply appreciates Don Park's dedicated service, which dates back to the early 1960s," she said. "He has an amazing ability to analyze problems and efficiently find positive solutions. His knowledge is invaluable, and we will do our best to keep him close to the university."           

(Note to editors: For more information or to arrange an interview with Hancock or Gora, contact Heather Shupp, executive director of university communications, at hshupp@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1560.)

Heather Shupp, Executive Director
Marc Ransford, Media Relations Manager