Ball State University announced new leadership appointments ahead of the 2025–26 academic year, with deans and vice presidents bringing expertise to advance the University’s strategic plan and future direction.
Ahead of the 2025-26 academic year, Ball State University welcomed several new leaders whose expertise will help advance the University’s new strategic plan and future direction:
Dr. Nancy Abashian
Dr. Nancy Abashian was named the dean of University Libraries following nearly two decades of leadership experience in academic libraries, including her most recent role as senior director for public services and the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) at Binghamton University Libraries in New York.
Dr. Abashian has led initiatives that showcase her ability to integrate cutting-edge technology and innovative services into library operations. She planned and executed a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to create a high-density storage facility, relocate more than 850,000 items, and implement advanced library systems.
Mark Liebling
Mark Liebling was selected as Ball State’s inaugural vice president for people and culture. The newly created Division of People and Culture marks a significant organizational step for the University, positioning Ball State to better support its faculty and staff by modernizing human resources services and aligning them more strategically with the University’s long-term goals.
Mr. Liebling brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education and global business. At Northwestern Michigan College, he served as associate vice president of human resources, where he led efforts in organizational restructuring, labor negotiations, compensation and benefits design, and employee engagement.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Mastercard, and The Walt Disney Company. Across every role, he has built high-performing teams and introduced scalable systems that improved operations and strengthened workplace culture.
Dr. Kristen McCauliff
Dr. Kristen McCauliff was appointed dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM). Dr. McCauliff previously served as CCIM’s interim dean for the 2024-25 academic year.
A member of Ball State’s faculty since 2009, Dr. McCauliff is a respected scholar and experienced academic leader. She previously served as associate provost for faculty affairs and professional development, leading campus-wide initiatives that advanced faculty success and student learning. In 2015, Dr. McCauliff was recognized as Ball State’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Nationally, she has earned accolades as an EAB Rising Higher Education Leaders Fellow and University of California, Berkeley Bridging Differences Fellow.
Rodney Nassiri
Rodney Nassiri was appointed the new associate vice president for facilities, planning, and management. Mr. Nassiri brings more than 20 years of experience in facilities and operations management, capital planning, and strategic leadership. He most recently served as senior director of facilities and construction management at Universal Studios Hollywood, overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects and maintenance operations.
In his role, Mr. Nassiri provides strategic leadership for Ball State’s campus planning, maintenance, and facilities operations. He oversees the University’s 788-acre campus, which includes more than 90 buildings and several ongoing capital projects. His work includes advancing key initiatives such as the Village Revitalization Plan. He will also collaborate with the University’s chief sustainability officer to further Ball State’s leadership in environmentally responsible campus management.
