Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, globally acclaimed for its pioneering role in aviation and aerospace education, has announced Julie Elizabeth Ferguson as the new University Registrar. She will officially step into her new role on Oct. 2, 2023.
Ferguson holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Albany. At Albany, she studied Public Management and Nonprofit Management at the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. While there, she was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the State University of New York at Geneseo.
28 years in Academic Administration
Following an intensive national search, Ferguson, boasting 28 enriching years in academic administration, emerged as the top choice. The selection process saw active involvement from a university recruitment committee, with delegates from all three Embry-Riddle campuses.
“We are excited to welcome Julie Ferguson to Embry-Riddle as the new University Registrar,” said Dr. Kelly Austin, Embry-Riddle’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Julie brings a wealth of experience and is nationally recognized for her outstanding contributions to student records management, retention, and success.”
Reflecting on her new position, Ferguson shared, “I’m honored to assume the role of University Registrar at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and I’m eager to begin working with the university’s exceptional Registrar team in support of Embry-Riddle’s strategic plan, especially related to student success and persistence.”
Assistant Provost and University Registrar at the University of Scranton
Most recently, Ferguson applied her expertise at the University of Scranton. Since 2016, she held prominent positions, the latest being the Assistant Provost and University Registrar. At Scranton, she synergized various operations to amplify outcomes and oversaw teams at the Office of the Registrar and Academic Services, including the Director of the Office of Student Retention and Completion.
Over her career, Ferguson has held positions at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) and Marymount College (Fordham University), among others. Ferguson is a prolific author of scholarly publications, an active member of several professional organizations, and an accomplished public speaker. Her contributions earned her numerous awards, including the NJMS Honorary Alumnus Award 2008.
Search Committee Approval
Dr. Shanan Gibson, the dean of Embry-Riddle’s David B. O’Maley College of Business, helmed the search for the University Registrar. Commenting on the selection, Gibson stated, “Embry-Riddle’s reputation allowed us to bring in a strong cadre of finalists for this position. The diversity of Julie’s previous institutional experiences across multiple intersecting operations will serve Embry-Riddle well. The work of the Registrar is critical to building positive student experiences and integrating activities ranging from admissions and financial aid to academics and student retention. Julie’s broad knowledge of these and other areas will help Embry-Riddle meet next-level strategic goals.”
Adding to the praises, Dr. Zafer Hatahet, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona, campus, highlighted Julie’s collaborative spirit. “Ferguson is a team player who takes great pride in providing service to all departments, especially academic units,” Hatahet said. “The University Registrar’s role is similar to that of a college dean in that we are both service units. We enable the success of all students. Many other units cannot function without the close collaboration and hard work of a dedicated University Registrar. During the interview process, it was clear that Julie is committed to leveraging the Registrar’s pivotal role to further elevate the overall quality of services we provide to our students.”
Reporting to the Provost
At Embry-Riddle, Ferguson will deliver a high service standard to the students, faculty, and staff. Her role will safeguard student data and academic records while ensuring adherence to university policies and state and federal regulations. Reporting directly to the Provost, Ferguson will be responsible for all Embry-Riddle campuses.