Holding the position of acting dean for the first four months of the year, Blaine Ferrell was officially appointed dean of Ogden College in May.

Ferrell, who’s been at Western 25 years, was appointed to the position by Provost Barbara Burch.

“Without question, he is a widely respected, exceptionally capable man,” Burch said.

Ferrell said his appointment brings with it little change because of his stint as acting dean.

“It was such a long, drawn out event. I was just relieved,” he said.

John Petersen, associate vice president for Academic Programs and Personnel, said a national search was held for the position after former dean Martin Houston left last year. When the dust settled, a committee made a recommendation to Burch, who then appointed Ferrell.

“He was the right person for the job,” Burch said. “He simply stood out in front.”

Ferrell said he believes that his time at Western benefited him as a candidate because he already had a home on the Hill and was aware of what’s going on in Ogden College.

He said he has many plans he wants to implement as dean, including developing a strategic plan for the college.

“There’s a lot of things we can do better,” he said.

Among his objectives, Ferrell said he wants to assure the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences fits the needs of the college when it is completed. Western broke ground on the $20 million building Aug. 16.

Reach Molly O’Connor at [email protected].