BGSU Magazine Summer 2008

Dr. Sidney Ribeau

Transformational vision and inspired achievement define presidency

When Dr. Sidney Ribeau became Bowling Green State University’s ninth president in 1995, the recommended route would have him quickly unveil a dynamic master plan that would get the bricks and mortar moving, and immediately put his indelible stamp on the campus. Ribeau, however, sought another priority.

“I made a conscious decision, right or wrong, to do the human capital side first,” he explains. “I just firmly believe everything starts with people.”

Ribeau, fueled with that blend of energy, enthusiasm, charisma and adrenaline, enabled him to steer comprehensive initiatives on multiple fronts over the past 13 years. Ribeau said he felt he had to have a personal relationship with the place before he could identify and address its needs.

Ribeau left BGSU to become the 16th president of Howard University on Aug. 1. Located in Washington, D.C., Howard is a comprehensive, research-oriented institution comprised of 12 schools and colleges and is one of the nation’s leading historically black institutions with 10,000 students.

“I urge the BGSU campus to stay focused. Continue to do what we do and what we’re known for and do it well. It is important to maintain the momentum of the past 13 years. I thank the BGSU community for its support and helping realize our dreams and aspirations. There’s till much work to do.”

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