Outstanding Alumni - 1999
Dr. Michael Ford
Bemidji State University Graduate 1962 & 1965
Career and Professional Achievements
- Currently serves as Vice President of Community Health System and Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Community Health Foundation in Fresno, CA.
- Received Bachelors and Masters Degree from BSU.
- Received Ph.D. at George Peabody College for Teachers, Vanderbilt University.
- Former Executive Director of Rogue Valley Medical Center Foundation.
- Former Director of Development for the Community Hospitals of Central California Foundation.
- Former Director of Development for the Roman Catholic Diocese.
- Former Director of Planning and Development for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation.
- Former Vice President for Planning and Development, Associate Dean for Humanities, Chairman of the English Department, and professor at Oklahoma City University.
- Taught at Bemidji State University and in the Roseau School District.
Community Service
- Developed a criminal justice program to retrain law enforcement agents in the state of Oklahoma.
- Developed camping experiences for young people at Lake of the Woods.
Outstanding Service to Bemidji State University
- Supporter of the BSU Foundation.
Personal Achievements/Awards
- Awarded the Angels Award for work in building a hospice program in Fresno, CA.
- Awarded and recognized for bringing ethnically diverse neighbors together to revitalize their neighborhoods in Fresno, CA.