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FERRUM COLLEGE SELECTS 10TH PRESIDENT |
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| For immediate release: | Released
by: Lisa Bowling |
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| March 12, 2002 | (540) 365-4307 |
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Mr. William Bales, board chair, states, “Dr. Braaten will bring to Ferrum a strong background in academics, teaching, and a record of success as a college administrator and president. Her enthusiasm and passion for a strong liberal arts curriculum and student orientation objective will fit well with Ferrum's mission and motto, "Not Self, But Others." Braaten currently serves as the president of Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, a position she has held since August 1999. She was the first woman president among the 28 Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) colleges and universities nationwide. |
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| During her tenure at Midland, Braaten initiated a number of programs, including the college’s largest capital campaign and a comprehensive marketing plan. Under her guidance, the college experienced an increased endowment and record student enrollment. She also initiated strategic planning and improvements to the physical plant, including more student housing options and advanced technological capabilities. She emphasized campus diversity, as well as collaboration with other institutions, and a strong connection to the Lutheran church. In a letter to the search committee, Braaten states, “My personal, as well as professional, objective is to advance the mission of the church-related college, preserving the heritage while encouraging change commensurate with 21st century challenges. |
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Faith-based education serves as a hallmark of the Braaten approach. Mrs. Patricia Compton, Ferrum board member and past president of United Methodist Women, elaborates, “Ferrum is and always has been a faith-based institution. Dr. Braaten's previous experience and outspoken advocacy of faith-based education is a definite plus.” Braaten’s personal commitment to a spiritual component in education is complemented by a respect for other faith traditions.
From 1991-1999, Braaten served as the provost and vice president for
academic affairs for Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, as the
school transitioned from college to university status with six colleges.
During this time, the university added a number of graduate degrees
and a doctoral program, introduced on-line programs, and conducted a
$26 million dollar capital campaign. Braaten also served the College
of Boca Raton/Lynn University as its academic dean (1989-1991) and as
a sociology and history professor (1980-1988). |
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Braaten began her college teaching career at Florida Atlantic University and simultaneously taught at Palm Beach Community College. She worked as a high school teacher prior to her higher education calling. Before receiving her Ed.D. with High Distinction and her M.Ed. with Highest Honors from Florida Atlantic University, Braaten graduated summa cum laude, with a B.S., from University of Minnesota. She has also attended St. Olaf College, Minnesota; University of Vienna, Austria; and University of Oregon, Oregon. |
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| Braaten was invited to the search process by Dr. Bruce T. Alton, senior consultant for Academic Search Consultation Service (ASCS), of Washington, DC. The 11-member search committee was composed of various college stakeholders, including faculty, staff, alumni, student government and board members. As a candidate Braaten was charmed by the school, saying, “I immediately felt a kinship and a rapport with the community. Although I love Midland Lutheran and had no desire to leave, I could not ignore the deep sense of calling that I experienced at Ferrum.” Ultimately, Braaten received almost unanimous support on campus, was recommended unanimously by the search committee, and was appointed unanimously by the College’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Frédéric Belle Torimiro, associate professor of political science and chair of the Faculty Development and Affairs Committee, emphasizes, “She will be coming in as the overwhelming choice of the entire community.” Braaten will succeed Dr. Jerry M. Boone, after 15 years in his post. Boone has supported the search process and fully endorses the Board’s decision on the selection of Braaten. Compton declares, “Dr. Braaten personified all we were looking for in a president.” Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. To learn more, call 1-800-868-9797 or visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #
Biographical Sketch of Dr. Braaten Downloadable jpeg of Dr. Braaten Search Firm’s Web Address United Methodist General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry |
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