Mazey. “Now, we need to get into specific actions and outcomes to realize our shared vision of BGSU as a premier learning community.” She believes the University’s biggest hurdles are external in nature. “These are the same problems facing higher education across the state, the country and the world, and that’s what we need to focus on,” observed Mazey. “First, without a doubt, budget is an issue, and we need to plan our destiny amidst difficult circumstances.” For her, the solution must be found through new collaborations and partnerships that leverage BGSU’s traditional strengths and substantial resources. The idea is to find new synergies to “do more with less” while continuing to add value for our students, the region and the state. Some areas of opportunity include: > Building partnerships across the University to address pressing needs that will attract more external grants and other new sources of revenue > Working with outside institutions — from nonprofits to local governments and other colleges and universities — to attract outside funding > Developing more international partnerships that focus on BGSU’s recognized academic strengths in traditional arts and sciences and professional disciplines Embracing positive change works best when all key players can reach consensus regarding goals and priorities. Of course, that’s often easier said than done. But BGSU’s new president brings a facilitative leadership style to the table that promises to do just that. “We developed a profile with input from students, alumni, faculty and staff,” recalled chair of the presidential search committee Bill Primrose. “Everyone agreed that it
was important to find a new leader with a strong sense of community and the ability to be inclusive yet decisive. After spending some time with Dr. Mazey, the search committee was very excited about her command of the issues, her refreshing openness, and her knack for building relationships.” “I believe you need to bring everyone together around the table and ask all to weigh in on the possible solutions,” noted Mazey. “Moreover, it’s important to not only listen, but to understand and respect diverse views and opinions, to seek buy-in from others and to give credit where credit is due.” According to BGSU’s new president, the University community is up to the challenge to fully capitalize on the many exciting opportunities that come with a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of community service and a truly global perspective that embraces change. “I’m very excited to be here and look forward to working with the BGSU family to make this world-class institution even brighter and better.”
The Mazey Family
> Mary Ellen married her husband of 40 years, Bruce, in their hometown of White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. > They both earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at West Virginia University in Morgantown. > Their two sons are Bryan and Zackary. > Bruce died of cancer last September. > Older son, Bryan, has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Wright State and a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Dayton, and works in the aerospace industry. > He and his wife, Michele, have two young children and live near Cincinnati. > Zackary earned his bachelor’s degree in accountancy and finance from Miami University and a juris doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law. > He practices law in Charleston, W. Va.