Julie E. Ferguson Named University Registrar for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a global leader in aviation and aerospace education, today named Julie Elizabeth Ferguson, an academic administrator with 28 years of experience, to serve as University Registrar, effective Oct. 2, 2023.

Ferguson’s selection resulted from a comprehensive national search guided by a university-wide recruitment committee that included representation from all three of Embry-Riddle’s 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.”

Ferguson said, “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.”

Ferguson joins Embry-Riddle from the University of Scranton, where she has worked since 2016 and currently serves as Assistant Provost and University Registrar. In that capacity, she works with many different operations to coordinate activities and heighten impacts; she supervises the Office of the Registrar and Academic Services team members as well as the Director of the Office of Student Retention and Completion.

Dr. Shanan Gibson, dean of Embry-Riddle’s David B. O’Maley College of Business, headed up the search for a University Registrar.

“Embry-Riddle’s reputation allowed us to bring in a strong cadre of finalists for this position,” Gibson reported. “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.”

Another member of the search committee, Dr. Zafer Hatahet, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona, campus, described Ferguson as “a team player who takes great pride in providing service to all departments, especially academic units.”

Hatahet added, “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. It was clear during the interview process that Julie is committed to leveraging the Registrar’s pivotal role to further elevate the overall quality of services we provide to our students.”

Earlier in her career, Ferguson served as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs; Director of the Registrar’s Office; and Director of Clinical Electives at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (2001-2016). Her career has also included service as Registrar and Associate University Director of Enrollment Services at Marymount College (Fordham University), and Assistant Director of the University Records Office at New School University of New York. While pursuing an advanced degree at the University of Albany at the State University of New York, she worked in the Office of the Registrar as a graduate assistant.

A prolific author of scholarly publications and an accomplished speaker, Ferguson is active in an array of influential professional organizations. Her many awards have included the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) Golden Apple Award for Excellent Customer Service (2003, 2008, 2011); the NJMS Honorary Alumnus Award (2008); and various other distinctions.

Ferguson earned a Master of Public Administration degree, with a concentration in Public Management and an emphasis on Nonprofit Management, from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University of Albany, where she was inducted in Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature, with a minor in geography, from the State University of New York at Geneseo.

As Embry-Riddle’s new University Registrar, Ferguson will be responsible for delivering a high level of service to students, faculty and staff, while focusing on transformational activities that will develop the office to become best in class.

She will further be responsible for the maintenance and integrity of all student data and academic records, and for ensuring adherence to university policies and procedures as well as state and federal regulations. The new University Registrar will play a central role in the development and implementation of university academic and administrative policies affecting students and courses, by engaging in regular interactions with university leadership.

Ferguson, reporting to the Provost, will be responsible for all campuses.

Posted In: Institutional News