During a recent visit to Ball State University, Blaine Brownell spoke with the University Relations staff about his upcoming presidency.

In the following question-and-answer session, the 57-year-old former college professor and administrator discussed his feelings about Ball State’s future, town-gown relationships and several other topics.

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING PRESIDENT?
I am attracted to Ball State because the university is in such great shape to face the challenges of the future. For someone who wishes to make a contribution to higher education at the level of president, I think this is a wonderful opportunity.

HAS BALL STATE FOUND A PROPER NICHE?
Part of the challenge for the next five years is to let this institution really define what type of institution it is. Ball State has defined what is isn’t, but what we have to do is find out what we are. We want to be a national model for that educational strategy.

HOW DOES A MAN IN HIS FIFTIES RELATE WITH TODAY’S STUDENTS?
For one thing, I have two children who haven’t been out of college that long at ages 30 and 26. Plus, I can remember some of the issues and concerns that I had when I was in college. However, it takes a lot of effort, particularly for anyone over 30, to keep in touch with each new generation and I think that is part of a president’s responsibilities. You must have open communications with student leaders and the rest of the students all over campus on as many occasions as possible.

WHAT ROLE DOES TOWN-GOWN RELATIONSHIPS PLAY IN TODAY’S WORLD?
I firmly believe that what is good for Muncie is good for Ball State and what is good for Ball State is good for Muncie. We want to continue good relationships with community leaders and local residents. When issues do occur, you’ve developed strong interpersonal relationships to help deal with them.

YOU SPENT SEVERAL YEARS AT PURDUE ON THE FACULTY. IS IT GOOD TO BE BACK IN INDIANA?
The years I spent teaching at Purdue University were very exciting and formative. My wife is a native of Indianapolis. We set up our first house and our children were born in Lafayette. My daughter-in-law is from Kokomo. I’ve always felt surrounded by Hoosiers.

WHAT ROLE SHOULD ATHLETICS PLAY AT BALL STATE?
It serves an important continuing role as a window on the university. You want to make sure you have a program that has integrity and is competitive. Since I grew up in Alabama, I’ve been a rabid football fan since I knew what that meant. They don’t put it on your birth certificate but they come close. I can appreciate the kind of impact athletics can have on alumni and the public at large.