WKU News & Events

May 10, 2002

Blaine Ferrell Appointed Dean
Of WKU's Ogden College

Bowling Green, Ky. - Dr. Blaine Ferrell has been appointed dean of Ogden College of Science and

Engineering at Western Kentucky University effective July 1.

Dr. Ferrell, who has been at Western for 24 years, has been associate dean of Ogden College and director of its Applied Research and Technology Program of Distinction since 2000.

"I look forward to working with faculty, staff and department heads as part of a team effort to build on the strengths of Ogden College of Science and Engineering to achieve national recognition for providing an outstanding student-centered learning environment," Dr. Ferrell said.

"We want to ensure that our graduates are the best in the Commonwealth and among the best in the nation in keeping with Western's vision outlined in the "Challenging the Spirit" strategic plan. As part of this endeavor we will continue to reach out to support our constituents -- P-12 teachers, industry and governmental agencies."

Provost Barbara Burch said Dr. Ferrell's appointment was made after an extensive national search to replace Dr. Martin Houston.

"I am confident that Dr. Ferrell will provide the visionary and creative leadership essential to guide the continuing growth of the college's initiatives in teaching, research and service," Dr. Burch said. "As Western Kentucky University aspires to be among the best comprehensive public universities in the nation, Dr. Ferrell is well prepared to provide the leadership that will ensure Ogden College's prominence as the best among its peers."

Dr. Ferrell, a biology professor, was head of Western's Department of Biology from 1995 to 2000. He received his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973; his master's in biology from Western in 1975 and his doctorate in vertebrate zoology and entomology from Louisiana State University in 1979. He completed post-doctoral work at Vanderbilt University Medical School in 1985.

Dr. Ferrell has served on numerous university committees and is a member of several state and national science organizations. As director of the Applied Research and Technology Program, Dr. Ferrell has been involved in several projects including proposals to develop New Economy initiatives at the Center for Research and Development.

For more information, contact Blaine Ferrell at (270) 745-4448. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.