Ball State starting search for new president

MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University’s trustees have hired an executive search firm for $150,000 to help them find a replacement for outgoing school President Jo Ann Gora.

Gora announced in October that she planned to retire next June after 10 years leading the 18,000-student university in Muncie.

Ball State trustees president Hollis Hughes tells The Star Press the board is looking for someone who can build on Gora’s success and keep the school’s momentum going.

The president of Georgia-based search firm Baker and Associates conducted the search that led to Gora’s hiring in 2004.

Ball State trustees have also named a 16-member search committee, which will be led by trustee Wayne Estopinal of Jeffersonville. That committee will hold its first meeting Jan. 10.