January 25, 20179 yr Dear NKU Community and Friends, It is with deep regret that I inform you that Geoff Mearns will be leaving NKU to become president of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. On behalf of the Board of Regents, I would like to thank Geoff for his tireless work to move our university forward over the past five years. Under his strong and steady leadership, we have achieved new heights in academic success, advocacy, and athletics. We are truly on the rise as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2018. Please join me in thanking Geoff and wishing he, Jennifer, and the entire Mearns family well in this new chapter in their lives. Geoff will be deeply missed not only on our campus, but across the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where his leadership and hard work have paid real dividends for higher education. The board had been actively engaged in securing Geoff’s continued service here at NKU when he let us know of his interest in the Ball State position late last week. Here on campus, as confirmed by the recently-concluded comprehensive assessment of his performance, Geoff worked skillfully to improve our level of state funding and managed difficult budget decisions, all the while keeping us focused on long-term goals such as advancing student success, expanding the overall educational experience we provide, and furthering our unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all students. Geoff, Jennifer and their children have also become part of our family, and it’ll be hard to see them pack up the truck for Muncie. We will miss Geoff’s leadership. However, the success we have seen in recent years has been made possible through a bold and determined collective effort by all of you. We have become an institution of first choice for students from across the region, the state, and the nation. And our graduates go on to have a profound impact on the region and far beyond. Our future is bright. Now, our job is to work together to build upon the successes of Geoff’s time here at NKU and find ways to use this transition as an opportunity and launching a pad for even better days ahead. The Board of Regents is moving rapidly to launch a search for his successor, and we will be calling on some of you to help with this critically important process. We anticipate having more information to share over the coming weeks, including the timing of Geoff’s departure, the naming of an interim president, and the creation of a presidential search committee. I will keep you informed throughout this process. Thank you for all that you do to serve our students. If you have questions or comments, you can always get in touch with the board through the Office of the President at 572-5123 or by emailing [email protected].
January 25, 20179 yr Still a steeping stone school in all areas. Is Ball State a step up? I have visited that school. I thought it was kind of a dump. NKU is way better IMO. Maybe I am missing something.
January 25, 20179 yr Is Ball State a step up? I have visited that school. I thought it was kind of a dump. NKU is way better IMO. Maybe I am missing something. More money? Or, perhaps a bit off the wall but it needs to be asked, he doesn't like what is happening to higher education in KY under Bevin?
January 25, 20179 yr Probably more money for him and a step up. D-1 in sports with football in the MAC, probably more endowments and cash to use from other sources. No telling how much Letterman gives alone.
January 25, 20179 yr Heard some students were tweeting Obama, telling him there’s a presidential opening opportunity…. (I thought it was cute - lol).
January 25, 20179 yr Ball St endowment is about $100 million more than NKU. IMO it is a step up in most ways.
January 25, 20179 yr He's a Ft Thomas resident, I guess his beautiful home will be on the market soon.
January 25, 20179 yr Still a steeping stone school in all areas. Unfortunately that will probably be the case for a while. However, NKU has made some amazing strides in the last 15 years. In the grand scheme of things, NKU is still teenager compared to many other Universities.
January 25, 20179 yr I was surprised by this as well. Not sure this is a step up. I thought it seemed like a lateral on the surface, but then again, I don't know much about Ball State.
January 25, 20179 yr President Mearns was in a tough spot following President James Votruba. It's like replacing a great coach. I know some aren't too upset to see him go. I really don't have any opinion either way. Just hope the next President keeps moving NKU is a positive direction.
January 25, 20179 yr A $100,000 raise. Build the resume by looking like a man in demand. I think this is all about working his way to one of the plum jobs
January 25, 20179 yr A $100,000 raise. Build the resume by looking like a man in demand. I think this is all about working his way to one of the plum jobs That's a pretty hefty raise. But as you said. His motive may not just be about the money today. Mearns Declines Salary Increase, Bonus at NKU Regents Retreat | The River City News
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