| Ferris State University | |
|---|---|
| Established | September 1, 1884 |
| Type | Public university |
| Endowment | US $25.1 million[1] |
| President | David L. Eisler |
| Academic staff | 561[2] |
| Admin. staff | 832[2] |
| Students | 14,381[2] |
| Undergraduates | 13,134[2] |
| Postgraduates | 1,219[2] |
| Doctoral students | 28[2] |
| Location | Big Rapids / Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States |
| Campus | Both urban and rural, main campus 880 acres (360 ha)[2] |
| Former names | Big Rapids Industrial School, Ferris Industrial School, Ferris Institute, Ferris State College |
| Colors |
Crimson and Gold[3] |
| Nickname | Bulldogs[4] |
| Website | http://www.ferris.edu |
Ferris State University (FSU, Ferris) is a public university with its main campus in Big Rapids, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School by Woodbridge Nathan Ferris, an educator from New England who later served as governor of the State of Michigan and finally in the US Senate where he remained until his death in 1928. The school was noteworthy at its time for accepting female students beginning with its first graduating class. It is also the only public university in Michigan to be founded by an individual.
Today Ferris is the ninth largest university[5] in the state with 14,381 students[2] studying on its main campus, at one of the 19 off-campus locations across the state,[6] or online. The focus of education is on preparing students for successful careers.[7] Two- and four-year degrees are offered through ten academic colleges and graduate degrees from six. Ferris grants professional doctorate degrees via its optometry and pharmacy colleges and a doctorate of education in community college leadership through the College of Professional and Technological Studies.
The school is known for its high rate of employment amongst graduates,[2] its faculty-student ratio of 1:15,[2] and that classes are taught by professional instructors, not graduate assistants.
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Woodbridge Nathan Ferris was born January 6, 1853 in a log cabin near Spencer, Tioga County, New York, the son of John Ferris, Jr. and Stella Reed Ferris.[8]
As a child, Woodbridge attended a rural public school, which he claimed, was the horror of his life.[9] He did learn to read fairly well there, however, and by the age of 10 was reading the Civil War news to his father. His father was slightly deaf, and Ferris had to learn to speak clearly in order for his father to hear, because his father objected to the practice of merely reading loudly. The practice of clear enunciation, learned at an early age, was a great help to Ferris in his later life as a speechmaker.
When he was 14 years old, Ferris entered the academy at Spencer, NY, where he spent nine months.[10] At the age of 16, Ferris attended his first teaching institute at Waverly, NY, and shortly afterwards began his first teaching job.[11] Later, in early spring of 1871, Ferris entered the Oswego Normal and Training School at Oswego, NY. At Oswego (now the State University of New York at Oswego) Ferris came under the tutelage of Hermann Krusi, instructor of drawing and geometry. Krusi was the son of the chief assistant to Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi at Pestalozzi's school in Switzerland.[12]
Oswego Normal during its formative years was pushing the Pestalozzian theory of learning by doing rather than through theory, and Ferris was considerably influenced by it. At Oswego, Ferris met Helen Gillespie, who later became his wife.
In early 1874, Ferris became the principal of Spencer Free Academy. He married Helen Gillespie who also served as a teacher at Spencer. At the end of the second year at Spencer, the Ferrises decided not to continue in public school work but rather to follow his dream of founding a private school.[13] That dream led Mr. Ferris through several ventures involving private education. In 1879, Ferris once again entered public education as superintendent of schools in Pittsfield, IL. He held this position for five years, leaving it vowing never again to be involved in public education.[14] In May 1884, he moved his family to Big Rapids, MI with the intention of opening a private school. The Big Rapids Industrial School, forerunner of Ferris State University, opened on September 1, 1884.[15]
In addition to his role as an educator, Ferris ran for and was elected to the office of Governor of the State of Michigan in 1912. His overwhelming popularity also got him elected to the office of US Senator in 1922.[16]Woodbridge Ferris died on March 23, 1928, eleven years to the day of Helen Ferris' death. A thousand Ferris students and townspeople gathered at the train station standing in the drizzling rain in silent tribute as the funeral train pulled in. All businesses and schools, including the Institute, were closed the day of the funeral. Many state elected officials attended the funeral, including Governor Fred W. Green. Six military companies and the 126th infantry band marched in the funeral cortege to Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids, where Mr. and Mrs. Ferris are both interred.
Big Rapids Industrial School, as it was originally named, opened on September 1, 1884 in temporary quarters in the Vandersluis Block (present location of J.C. Penney Co.) in Big Rapids. The goal of the school was to provide students with marketable skills for a changing society. By the beginning of the next semester in January 1885 the school changed its name to Ferris Industrial School. In January 1894, the School moved into and dedicated its new building, Old Main, on the corner of Oak and Ives Streets. At this same time, the school was incorporated with capital stock of $50,000.[8]
In 1898 the institution was again renamed to Ferris Institute. In 1900, W. N. Ferris sold capital stock in Ferris Institute to the public, keeping a controlling interest in his own hands. It remained privately owned until August 25, 1931 when the Board of Incorporators, a group of 39 businessmen, purchased Ferris Institute from the old stockholders and selected a board of trustees from their number to govern the school.[8]
In February 1943, alumnus Colin Smith introduced a bill in the legislature for the state to purchase Ferris Institute. It passed both houses but was vetoed by Governor Harry Kelly. Six years later on May 17, 1949, Governor G. Mennen Williams signed the bill accepting Ferris Institute as a gift to the State of Michigan, which took over its governance on July 1, 1950. But before the state took control, fire destroyed the Old Main and the Old Pharmacy Buildings on February 21, 1950. Only the Alumni Building and some minor buildings were left standing. Immediate rebuilding of the Institute began and on July 1, 1963 it was again renamed, this time as Ferris State College.[8]
In November 1987 the institution became Ferris State University.[8] When Ferris became a state college in the fall of 1950, it consisted entirely of one permanent structure, the Alumni Building, and some surplus Army barracks. Fewer than 1,000 students were enrolled, and there were fewer than 50 faculty members. The campus itself covered less than 20 acres (8.1 ha). By contrast, current enrollment is more than 13,000 and the 880-acre (360 ha) campus contains 115 educational, administrative, and maintenance buildings, student activity facilities, and residence halls.
Ferris State University joined the state’s Higher Education System in 1950. The campus was all but destroyed by fire the same year. The only building to survive was the Alumni Building, built in 1929, at the north edge of campus. Since the fire, more than 117 buildings have been built on the main campus.
Located on the southern edge of the City of Big Rapids, straddling the border between Big Rapids Township and the city, the university has over 880 acres (3.6 km2) for its main campus. The campus begins about four blocks south of the historic central business district. It is bordered on the north by single-family homes built in the early to middle of the twentieth century. North of Perry Street, the university is bordered by strip commercial development. The university is bordered to the south and west by Big Rapids Township. The township is mostly undeveloped and rural.[17]
The campus is within easy walking distance of downtown Big Rapids with its restaurants, shops, movie theater, art gallery and municipal park. Bicyclists, hikers and in-line skaters have easy access to the White Pine Trail, Michigan's longest "rails to trails" project.[18]
The campus has undergone major changes since 1990. Several new and renovated buildings, reworked roads and parking areas, pedestrian walkways, and greenspace areas have contributed to the changes on campus.
The University has 3,483,298 square feet (323,609.0 m2) of building space on the Big Rapids campus, with 1,764,658 square feet (163,942.1 m2) in academic use.[17]
In addition to the main campus, Ferris State University has programs offered at 19 off-campus locations including Dowagiac, Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Traverse City, and University Center. These locations are managed by the Extended and International Operations under the heading Ferris Statewide.[6]
Ferris State University is governed by a Board of Trustees which has general supervision of the institution and controls and directs institutional expenditures. Members of the Board serve eight-year, staggered terms as appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate.[20]
The President of the University is appointed by the Board of Trustees as its principal executive officer and serves at its pleasure. The President is an ex-officio member of the Board without the right to vote.
At present, the University is led by its 18th president, Dr. David L. Eisler, who was in inaugurated on October 2, 2003.[21]
The mission of the Student Government of Ferris State University is to represent student interests in all aspects of campus life as well as maintain open channels of communication between students, faculty, staff, administration, and the Big Rapids community.[22]
The General Assembly of Student Government is composed of two voting bodies; a House of Representatives and a Senate. Each registered student organization (RSO) in good standing is eligible to hold one seat on the House of Representatives. Senators are elected by the students in their respective academic colleges.[23]
The leadership rests in the Cabinet; president, executive vice president, treasurer, director of finance, and director of internal assessment.[23]
The University has 10 colleges offering more than 170 educational programs — Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering Technology, Michigan College of Optometry, Pharmacy, College of Professional and Technological Studies, University College; and Kendall College of Art and Design. Program offerings lead to bachelor and associate degrees and certificates. Master degrees in Information Systems Management, Career and Technical Education, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Nursing, and Fine Arts are available. Ferris also offers doctorate degrees in Optometry and Pharmacy.
Each college encompasses a cluster of related programs that are targeted to prepare students for specific careers, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning. The colleges operate in facilities that have been specially designed and equipped to support their missions.
The College of Allied Health Sciences offers a wide range of degrees for future health care professionals. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-industry equipment, and clinical or internship experiences. Graduates are in high demand both locally and nationally.
The College of Arts and Sciences is noted for its graduates’ high rates of acceptance into prestigious medical, dental, law and graduate schools. In this college are the cultural programs and enrichment activities that Ferris offers in the arts and sciences disciplines.
The College of Business provides career-oriented business education. Responsive to the changing needs of the business world, the college’s curriculum focuses on preparing its graduates for dealing with real issues as members and leaders of tomorrow’s workforce.
The College of Education and Human Services is a leader in education, criminal justice, recreation, and television production. The college is unique in Michigan because of its leadership in a number of partnerships that foster specialized professional education for all it students within the community and state.
The College of Engineering Technology is one of the largest in the nation. The college has world-class labs and state-of-the-art equipment made possible by on-going financial support from industry. Some of Ferris’ technology programs are one of a kind in Michigan and the nation.
Kendall College of Arts and Design offers graduate and undergraduate fine arts degrees as well as a B.S. degree in Art History. Kendall’s campus is in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Michigan College of Optometry is one of 16 schools or colleges of optometry in the United States and the only college of optometry in Michigan. MCO doctors and student interns deliver state-of-the-art eyecare to thousands of patients in the region. Graduates receive a Doctor of Optometry degree.
The College of Pharmacy graduates comprise more than half of Michigan’s practicing pharmacists. The college is equipped with exceptional facilities and resources. Graduates receive a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
The College of Professional and Technological Studies extends the reach of the University beyond Big Rapids as it delivers academic programs that meet the rapidly evolving needs of education, business, industry and the state through a network of locations. Programs offered include associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development certificates and distance learning opportunities at sites that include Alpena, Clinton Township, Dowagiac, Flint, Garden City, Grand Rapids, Howell, Lansing, Midland, Muskegon, Port Huron, Scottville, Traverse City, Warren and online. In addition, CPTS provides conference and professional services to the University as well as outside businesses and organizations.
University College houses Ferris’ Honors Program and the Academic Support Center and assists students with instruction in study skills, reading and career exploration. It is also home of the Educational Career and Counseling Center and the Socio-Cultural Holistic Learning and Retention mentoring program.
Within the Colleges there exists some schools of specialized education. These Schools exist to provide focused education in for specific careers.
Housed in the College of Education and Human Services, the mission of the School of Criminal Justice is that "through partnerships with agencies within and related to the criminal justice field, creates the fundamental preparation for successful careers and responsible citizenship. The academic pursuit of excellence for both students and faculty is provided in a learning environment that combines the theoretical knowledge with the practical application.[24] There are three areas of concentration for undergraduate degrees: Corrections, Generalists, and Law Enforcement.
Housed in the College of Education and Human Services, the mission of the School of Education is to prepare students for careers as quality educators whose contributions will enrich lives through dedication to leadership, life-long learning, reflection, and collaboration in the classroom, school and greater community.[25] There bachelor's degree programs in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education in addition to master's degrees with several concentrations.
Housed in the College of Allied Health Sciences, the School of Nursing offers BSN and MSN programs that are fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.
The Ferris State Bulldogs are the athletic teams for the university. Ferris State offers an intercollegiate athletic program which includes 14 men’s and women’s sports at the NCAA Division II level, except for men's ice hockey which competes in NCAA Division I. Ferris States is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in all sports except ice hockey, in which the team is part of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Year in and year out, nearly 400 student-athletes have the opportunity to compete for the Bulldogs on a regional and national level for conference titles and NCAA Championships. Ferris’ men’s club ice hockey won the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II national title in 1994.[26]
| Men's Sports | Women's Sports |
|---|---|
| Basketball | Basketball |
| Cheerleading | Cheerleading |
| Cross Country | Cross Country |
| Football | |
| Golf | Golf |
| Soccer | |
| Ice Hockey | |
| Softball | |
| Tennis | Tennis |
| Track & Field | Track & Field |
| Volleyball |
Ferris State's ice hockey program turned in its best season performance ever in the program's NCAA Division I history for the 2002-03 campaign with a school-best 31-10-1 overall record. The Bulldogs also claimed their first-ever CCHA Regular-Season Championship title with a first-place 22-5-1 league mark and advanced to the NCAA Championship Tournament's West Regional title game in their initial NCAA Tourney appearance. FSU also earned the distinction of being the nation's first team to reach the 30-win plateau in 2002-03 and also competed in the CCHA Super Six Championship Tourney for the first time since 1993.[27]
The Ferris Ice Arena and Sports Complex features basketball courts, volleyball courts, hockey rink and a general ice-skating rink located in the Ewigleben Arena, named after former college president Robert Ewigleben. This sports complex hosts university and high school competitions as well as community sports programs.
National Runners-up:
Club Sports National Championships:
The Ferris State Torch is a student run newspaper first published in 1931. It is a weekly publication between 16 and 28 pages in length with a circulation of just under 5,000. The Torch has been completely student governed, with the exception of a faculty adviser and business manager. The Department of Languages and Literature acts as a liaison between the publication and the rest of the University.
Bulldog Radio is a student organization on the Big Rapids campus. It operates via FSU Info 530, an AM radio channel, on Channel 21 through Mecosta County Charter Communications, Channel 21 through the campus cable TV provider, and through a live webcast. Bulldog Radio broadcasts information about the campus to the general public. It also airs music and talk programming. Bulldog Radio is available free, 24 hours a day, to Ferris State University, Mecosta County, and the world.
There are 28 Greek organizations on campus, subdivided into four different groups: Interfraternity Council fraternities, Black Greek Council Fraternities & Sororities, Panhellenic Council Sororities, and Professional Fraternities & Sororities.
Organizations in the Interfraternity Council include: Alpha Chi Rho, Delta Chi, Kappa Psi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Sigma Kappa, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Lambda Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Sigma Pi. Black Greek Council fraternities and sororities on campus are: Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Phi Delta Psi, and Zeta Phi Beta. Panhellenic Council member organizations are: Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta, Phi Sigma Sigma, and Zeta Tau Alpha, and honorary member Lambda Kappa Sigma. The profession fraternities and sororities include: Delta Sigma Pi, Gamma Epsilon Tau, Kappa Psi, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, Lambda Kappa Sigma, Phi Alpha Delta, Kappa Kappa Psi and Alpha Psi Omega.
The first performance of the new fight song, "Fighting Bulldogs" was at Homecoming in 1958.[28]
The adoption of the new Ferris alma mater song, "Ferris Fidelity" and its first performance under direction of composer Graham T. Overgard were at the Christmas concert in 1957.[28]
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