Mary Ellen Mazey

Mary Ellen Mazey (born February 22, 1949) is President Emeritus of Bowling Green State University.^[2] Mazey's extensive experience in Ohio public universities and with implementing strategic plans, coupled with her understanding of the role higher education has to play in the state’s well-being, led the BGSU trustees to select her as the next president of the University on July 1, 2011. Under her leadership, BGSU experienced a renaissance. Enrollment grew as the University welcomed its most academically well-prepared classes in history. Dozens of classrooms and facilities were renovated, constructed or improved to ensure the campus community was a premier learning environment. Dr. Mazey led capital projects that will position BGSU for decades, including the Michael & Sara Kuhlin Center and major renovations to University and Moseley halls. She successfully ushered in the University’s second comprehensive fundraising campaign, whose goals are primarily securing funds for student scholarships, professorships and leadership positions, facilities and colleges, schools and programs.

During her tenure, BGSU’s national and global profile was greatly enhanced. In line with its emphasis on public and private partnerships, BGSU collaborated with the Ohio Attorney General to bring the Bureau of Criminal Investigation crime laboratory to campus, with Wood County Hospital to establish the Falcon Health Center, and with regional leaders to focus on economic development. In addition, she signed agreements to develop new pathways for prospective students to access a BGSU education and created new academic programs to serve the region.

President Mazey was deeply committed to student success and fostering a unique BG experience. Her vision prepared BGSU students to enter the workforce and change lives for the world. During her tenure, BGSU launched an internship guarantee, increased its focus on undergraduate and graduate research and reshaped its commitment to fostering tomorrow’s leaders through experiential learning.

Dr. Mazey has served as a consultant on strategic planning and as an evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission. She chaired and led the board of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and the Mid-American Conference Council of Presidents. In addition, she served on the board of directors of the Ohio Inter-University Council, Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Ohio Regional Growth Partnership.

Prior to assuming the presidency at BGSU, she served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Auburn University, as Dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University, and as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Wright State University. In 1996-1997, Mazey was the appointed Director of the Office of University Partnerships for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In that capacity, she had oversight of HUD’s $25 million in grant programs to colleges and universities across the country. In addition, she served as HUD’s liaison to higher educational associations, other federal agencies, and colleges and universities. Mazey has served as a grants reviewer and consultant to HUD and the U.S. Department of Education in addition to being a consultant to the Appalachian Regional Commission and numerous local governments, colleges and universities. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Mazey earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Cincinnati.

In recognition of her passion, innovation and leadership for the University, the BGSU Board of Trustees granted her the title of President Emeritus in December 2017.

References