The board announced Friday that Blaine Brownell, 57, who has spent 30 years as a university vice president, department chair, provost and faculty member, will assume the presidency July 1. He will replace the retiring John E. Worthen.

"What attracted me to Ball State is that this university is in such great shape to face the challenges of the future, he said. "For someone who wishes to make a contribution to higher education, this is a wonderful opportunity."

Brownell was selected from a group of three final candidates consisting of Gregory Williams, a former Muncie resident and dean of the Ohio State University Law School, and William Sederburg, president of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich.

The three candidates had outstanding credentials and skills, making the process of selecting a new president challenging, said Board of Trustees President Thomas DeWeese.

He believes that Brownell is exactly the type of person to lead Ball State in the coming years.

"Dr. Brownell has enjoyed a strong career in higher education, making tremendous contributions in every position he has held," DeWeese said. "The board firmly believes that Dr. Brownell has the qualifications and experience to fulfill the duties as president of Ball State University."

Brownell has been director of the University of Memphis' Center for International Programs and Services since August 1998. Previously, he was provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of history at the University of North Texas. He began his teaching career at Purdue University as an assistant professor of history and American studies from 1969 to 1974.

He admits that time spent in Indiana may have been among the best years of his life. Brownell's wife, Mardi, is an Indianapolis native and attended Fortville High School before moving to Birmingham, Ala., as a teen.

"I feel like I am surrounded by Hoosiers because my wife is a native, my two children were born in Lafayette and my daughter-in-law is from Kokomo," Brownell said. "We had a great time in Indiana because we set up our first house, had two children and made many, many great friends that we've kept in contact with over the years. We really can't wait to settle into our new home and make new friends.

"It will be very challenging for Ball State over the next five to 10 years," he said. "But, it will be great fun and this is going to be a great place to be."

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager