Many surprised, happy with the choice of George Ross for CMU’s president

Board of Trustee Chairwoman Gail Torreano cried Thursday as she said her friend and former colleague, George Ross, was selected to become Central Michigan University’s 14th president.

Her’s was one of many excited and optimistic reactions among the trustees and attendants at Thursday’s Board of Trustees meeting.

The position of president, temporarily filled by Kathy Wilbur since Michael Rao announced his departure Feb. 20, 2008, will become Ross’ starting March 1, 2010.

“His commitment to academic standards is remarkable,” Torreano said.

She said she was impressed by Ross when she came onto the Board seven years ago, at which time he was vice president of Finance and Administrative Services.

Torreano did her best to remain impartial when considering Ross for the position during the presidential search.

“I think we’re going to be able to look back in years hence and say this is one of the best presidents we’ve ever had,” said Trustee and Chairwoman of the Presidential Screening Committee Stephanie Comai during the announcement.

A mix of reactions

Lynn Dominguez, assistant professor of recreation parks and leisure services, said she thought Ross was a good pick, but was surprised at the timing.

“I was a little shocked that the announcement was made without any public forums or interviews on campus that I knew of,” Dominguez said.

Trustees performed the search process in private, they said, to protect the candidates’ current jobs, since many are currently presidents at other universities.

Dominguez said she hopes Ross will focus on undergraduate studies.

Tim Boudreau, interim journalism chairman, said the decision came as a surprise to him.

“I have some misgivings about bringing someone back who left the university just a couple years ago,” Boudreau said.

Ross served as vice president of Finance and Administrative Services from 2002 to 2007, when he left to become president at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. David Burdette replaced Ross following the departure.

Student Government Association President and Mount Pleasant senior Jason Nichol was a member of the Presidential Screening Committee as well.
Ross seemed to be committed to students and student interest, Nichol said.

“I couldn’t be happier about the selection,” he said.

Sam Kottamasu, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees, was pleased with the result of the presidential search.

Ross’ experience in finance and fundraising including being the primary architect of the CMU Promise tuition guarantee plan were strong considerations along with his general excellence in leadership, Kottamasu said.

“You see the tremendous enthusiasm in the room,” Kottamasu said after the meeting adjourned.

Wife ready for move

Ross and his wife, Elizabeth, were visibly pleased with the announcement and were already making plans.

“I”m excited for my husband and his career,” Elizabeth Ross said. “I’m looking forward to supporting him and being in the community.”

She said she was not looking forward to the winters, but she doubted anyone in Michigan does. Instead she is looking forward to volunteering in the Mount Pleasant community.

George Ross said he is excited about the opportunity to lead CMU and to return to Michigan, where he attended high school and graduated from Michigan State University.

“I’m just excited about being back,” he said.

-Staff Reporter Maryellen Tighe contributed to this report