Experience can be the most critical trait a leader will need in order to succeed in any entity, but for Psychology Professor William Balzer, it might not be the most important one to excel in a higher educational setting. ‘I need to be a good listener to the community, faculty and staff,’ Balzer said. From this reasoning, Balzer convinced a University search committee to invest in both his experience and listening skills to help fill a prominent vacancy. Last week, the University announced Balzer will be the new dean of BGSU Firelands. Effective July 1, Balzer will leave his duties at the main campus and embark on a new journey when he implements his ideas at Firelands, located in Huron, Ohio. Balzer, who has been affiliated with the University since 1983, will use his experience to help him transition into his new role. Not only did he serve as interim dean at BGSU Firelands from 1999-2001, but Balzer also acquired numerous leadership skills during his tenure as the Dean of Continuing and Extending Education program since 2001 and the chair of the psychology department from 1993-1999. ‘It’s a great opportunity,’ Balzer said. ‘I think the chance to work with faculty, staff and students will be a repeat of a wonderful opportunity.’ ‘ Balzer will also be relying on the community’s input to make vital decisions for Firelands’ future. ‘ ‘A big part of being a good dean is being a good listener,’ he said. ‘Listening to what the community needs are, listening to students about what is working, listening to the faculty and staff on how to make the college stronger and as the dean, figure out how to bring it all together into an action plan so you can move the college forward with input from all these constituencies.’ The University also supports the decision the committee made after a nationwide search. ‘I’m confident that Dr. Balzer will provide the leadership we need,’ University President Carol Cartwright said in a press release. Dean of the College of Business Rodney Rogers, who served as the head of the search committee, credits not only Balzer’s University roots, but the ambition he displayed during the interview process along with his leadership qualities. ‘Dr. Balzer has proven to be an effective leader in leading a comprehensive academic unit, like Firelands, as well as developing innovative programming,’ Rogers said. Rogers also said Balzer was chosen due to having a proven track record with the University by already being familiar with the community and campus when he held the interim dean role ten years ago. ‘I think he is an excellent choice, and as the dean of Firelands, I am pleased he will be a colleague of mine,’ Rogers said. ‘I certainly look forward to working with him.’ One of the biggest issues Balzer will face will be dealing with a struggling Ohio economy. Through enhanced efforts focused on education and the surrounding community, Balzer said the course and degree programs offered at BGSU Firelands will help attract and retain businesses in the area. By accomplishing this, Balzer also hopes to maintain the current tuition costs. As for improvements to the campus, Balzer would like to see a new educational facility built which would offer new world degrees. ‘I’d like to see the college be more successful than it is now,’ Balzer said. Interim Provost at the University Mark Gromko, who informed Balzer he would be the dean, said he was confident the search committee made the correct decision. ‘He is the right guy. He is the right person,’ Gromko said. ‘I have great confidence in his ability and look forward to seeing what he does in that position in the future.’ While Balzer wants to have a long tenure as the dean, he does anticipate he will leave a lasting and positive impact at Firelands while staying true to what got him there in the first place: listening. ‘If we are listening to the student and community needs, what we build will be the right sort of thing and will make me proud when I reflect back on my years at BGSU,’ he said.