View source for Ferris State University

{{Short description|Public university in Big Rapids, Michigan, U.S.}}
{{Distinguish|Ferris University}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Ferris State University
 | image                  = FerrisStateUniversitySeal.png
 | image_size             = 150
 | established            = {{start date and age|1884|09|01}}
 | former_names           = Big Rapids Industrial School (1884–1885)<br />Ferris Industrial School (1885–1898)<br />Ferris Institute (1898–1963)<br />Ferris State College (1963–1987)
 | motto                  = Ferris Forward<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ferris.edu/administration/advance/standards/written_communications.htm | title=Written Communications }}</ref>
 | type                   = [[Public university]]
 | endowment              = $117 million (2021)<ref>As of FY 2021. {{cite report |url=https://www.nacubo.org/Research/2021/Public-NTSE-Tables |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2021 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY20 to FY21 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209220917/https://www.nacubo.org/Research/2021/Public-NTSE-Tables |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 | faculty                = 584<ref name="ferrisfacts">{{cite web |title = Ferris Factbook |publisher = Ferris State University Institutional Research |url = http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/Admision/testing/factbook/FactBook13-14.pdf |access-date = May 7, 2014 }}</ref>
 | president              = Bill Pink
 | provost                = Robert P. Fleischman
 | students               = 9,959 (Fall 2024)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Fall 2024 FSU Enrollment Summary: Fall 4th Day Extract |url=https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/testing/resources/enrollment/fall/Fall24EnrlSum.pdf}}</ref>
 | undergrad              = 
 | postgrad               = 
 | doctoral               = 
 | free_label2            = Newspaper
 | free2                  = ''[[#Ferris State Torch|The Ferris State Torch]]''
 | city                   = [[Big Rapids, Michigan|Big Rapids]] & [[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]]
 | state                  = Michigan
 | country                = United States
 | coordinates            = {{coord|43.69739|N|85.4839|W|source:dewiki_region:US-MI_type:edu|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
 | campus                 = Main campus: [[Rural area|Rural]], {{convert|880|acre}}<br />Grand Rapids: [[Urban area|urban]]<ref name="ferrisfacts"/>
 | colors                 = Crimson and Gold<ref>{{cite web|title=Color - Ferris State University |url=https://ferris.edu/HTMLS/administration/advance/standards/color.htm|access-date=October 4, 2018}}</ref><br />{{color box|#BA0C2F}}&nbsp;{{color box|#FFD043}}
 | sports_nickname        = [[Ferris State Bulldogs|Bulldogs]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Why are we the Bulldogs? |publisher=Ferris State University |url=http://www.ferris.edu/alumni/historical/timeline/bulldogs.htm |access-date=January 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115065849/http://www.ferris.edu/alumni/historical/timeline/bulldogs.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2011 }}</ref>
 | mascot                 = Brutus the Bulldog<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/alumni/SAGC/mascot-program.htm |title=Mascot Program |publisher=Ferris State University |access-date=December 17, 2016 }}</ref>
 | athletics_affiliations = [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]:<br />{{space|3}}[[NCAA Division II|Division II]]: [[Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference|GLIAC]]<br />{{space|3}}[[NCAA Division I|Division I]]: [[Central Collegiate Hockey Association|CCHA]]
 | website                = {{URL|https://www.ferris.edu/|ferris.edu}}
 | logo                   = Ferris State University logo.svg
| logo_size =  200
}}

'''Ferris State University''' ('''FSU''' or '''Ferris''') is a [[public university]] with its main campus in [[Big Rapids, Michigan]], United States. It was founded in 1884 as '''Big Rapids Industrial School''' by [[Woodbridge N. Ferris]] and became a public institution in 1950. The university also has a satellite campus in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]].

Ferris is [[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education|classified]] among "D/PU: Doctoral Universities – Doctoral/Professional Universities".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferris State University |url=https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/ferris-state-university/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education |language=en-US}}</ref> Over 10,000 students study on its main campus, at one of the 19 off-campus locations across the state,<ref name="statewide" /> or online. Two- and four-year degrees are offered through eight academic colleges and graduate degrees from six. Ferris grants professional [[Doctorate|doctoral]] degrees via its engineering, business, optometry and pharmacy colleges and a multidisciplinary doctorate of education in community college leadership.

The [[Ferris State Bulldogs]] compete in the NCAA Division II [[Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] in all sports except men's ice hockey, in which the team is part of the NCAA Division I [[Central Collegiate Hockey Association]].

== History ==
[[File:WoodbridgeFerris.jpg|thumb|left|[[Woodbridge N. Ferris]], founder and namesake of the university]]
Big Rapids Industrial School, as it was originally named, opened on September 1, 1884, in temporary quarters in the Vandersluis Block (present location of J.C. Penney Co.) in Big Rapids. The goal of the school was to provide students with marketable skills for a changing society. By the beginning of the next semester in January 1885, the school changed its name to Ferris Industrial School. In January 1894, the school moved into and dedicated its new building, Old Main, on the corner of Oak and Ives Streets. At this same time, the school was incorporated with capital stock of $50,000.<ref name="ferristimeline">{{cite web |title=Ferris State University Historical Timeline |publisher=Ferris State University Alumni Office |url=http://www.ferris.edu/alumni/historical/timeline/woodbridge.htm |access-date=January 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116042104/http://www.ferris.edu/alumni/historical/timeline/woodbridge.htm |archive-date=January 16, 2011 }}</ref>

In 1898, the institution was again renamed to Ferris Institute. In 1900, [[W. N. Ferris]] sold capital stock in Ferris Institute to the public, keeping a controlling interest in his own hands. It remained privately owned until August 25, 1931, when the Board of Incorporators, a group of 39 businessmen, purchased Ferris Institute from the old stockholders and selected a board of trustees from their number to govern the school.<ref name="ferristimeline"/>

In February 1943, alumnus Colin Smith introduced a bill in the legislature for the state to purchase Ferris Institute. It passed both houses, but was vetoed by Governor [[Harry Kelly (politician)|Harry Kelly]]. On May 17, 1949, Governor [[G. Mennen Williams]] signed the bill accepting Ferris Institute as a gift to the state of Michigan, which took over its governance on July 1, 1950. Before the state took control, though, fire destroyed the Old Main and the Old Pharmacy buildings on February 21, 1950. Only the Alumni Building and some minor buildings were left standing. Immediate rebuilding of the institute began, and on July 1, 1963, it was again renamed, this time as Ferris State College.<ref name="ferristimeline"/>

In November 1987, the institution became Ferris State University.<ref name="ferristimeline"/> When Ferris became a state college in the fall of 1950, it had consisted entirely of one permanent structure, the Alumni Building, and some surplus Army barracks. At that time, fewer than 1,000 students were enrolled, with fewer than 50&nbsp;faculty members, and the campus itself covered less than {{convert|20|acre}}. By contrast, current enrollment is more than 10,000, and the {{convert|880|acre|adj=on}} campus contains 115 buildings, including educational, administrative, maintenance, student-activity, and residence-hall facilities.

==Academics==
[[File:Ferris State University August 2010 07 (Business College).JPG|thumb|College of Business building]]
[[File:Ferris State University August 2010 20 (central campus).JPG|thumb|Carillon Tower and Music Center]]
The university has eight colleges offering more than 170 educational programs—Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering Technology, Health Professions, the [[Kendall College of Art and Design]], Michigan College of Optometry, and Pharmacy. Program offerings lead to bachelor's and associate degrees and certificates. Master's degrees in information security and intelligence, career and technical education, criminal justice, business administration, curriculum and instruction, nursing, and fine arts are available. Ferris also offers doctoral degrees in optometry, pharmacy, nursing practice, and community college leadership.

Kendall College of Art and Design offers graduate and undergraduate fine arts degrees, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in art history. Kendall's campus is in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Michigan College of Optometry is one of 16 schools or colleges of optometry in the United States and the only college of optometry in Michigan. MCO doctors and student interns deliver eye care to patients in the region. Graduates receive a [[Doctor of Optometry]] degree.

The College of Pharmacy graduates comprise more than half of Michigan's practicing pharmacists. Graduates receive a [[Doctor of Pharmacy]] degree.

Ferris State's most popular undergraduate majors, in order by 2021 graduates, were:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=ferris&s=all&id=169910#programs |website=nces.ed.gov |publisher=U.S. Dept of Education |title=Ferris State University |access-date=January 22, 2023}}</ref>
# Criminal Justice/Police Science (253)
# Business Administration and Management (211)
# Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (139)
# Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects (80)
# Biology/Biological Sciences (76)
# General Studies (63)
# Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician (55)

===Admissions===
Ferris State University is considered "less selective" by ''U.S. News & World Report''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferris State University |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ferris-state-university-2260 |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=November 3, 2022 |publisher=U.S. News & World Report}}</ref> For the class of 2025 (enrolling fall 2021), Ferris State University received 10,480 applications and accepted 8,884 (84.8%), with 1,405 enrolling. The middle 50% range of [[SAT]] scores for enrolling freshmen was 910–1050. The middle 50% [[ACT (test)|ACT]] composite score range was 19–26.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|+ Fall first-time freshman statistics
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/testing/resources/common/CDS2021-2022.pdf |title=FSU Common Data Set 2021-2022
 |publisher=FSU Institutional Research |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/testing/resources/common/CDS2020-2021.pdf |title=FSU Common Data Set 2020-2021
 |publisher=FSU Institutional Research |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/testing/resources/common/CDS2019-2020.pdf |title=FSU Common Data Set 2019-2020
 |publisher=FSU Institutional Research |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/testing/resources/common/CDS2018-2019.pdf |title=FSU Common Data Set 2018-2019
 |publisher=FSU Institutional Research |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/testing/resources/common/CDS2017-2018.pdf |title=FSU Common Data Set 2017-2018
 |publisher=FSU Institutional Research |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/testing/resources/common/CDS2016-2017.pdf |title=FSU Common Data Set 2016-2017
 |publisher=FSU Institutional Research |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Measure
!scope="col"| 2021
!scope="col"| 2020
!scope="col"| 2019
!scope="col"| 2018
!scope="col"| 2017
!scope="col"| 2016
|-
!scope="row"| Applicants
| 10,480 || 8,581 || 9,175 || 10,284 || 9,926 || 10,883
|-
!scope="row"| Admits
| 8,884 || 7,076 || 7,949 || 8,320 || 7,361 || 8,455
|-
!scope="row"| Admit rate
| 84.8 || 82.5 || 86.6 || 80.9 || 74.2 || 77.7
|-
!scope="row"| Enrolled
| 1,405 || 1,540 || 1,892 || 1,882 || 1,822 || 1,830
|-
!scope="row"| Yield rate
| 15.8 || 21.8 || 23.8 || 22.6 || 24.8 || 21.6
|-
!scope="row"| ACT composite*<br />(out of 36)
| 19–26 || 18–26 || 18–25 || 19–26 || 19–25 || 19–25
|- 
!scope="row"| SAT composite*<br />(out of 1600)
| 910–1050 || 1050–1110 || 980–1090 || 940–1170 || {{sdash}} || {{sdash}}
|}
{{*}} middle 50% range

===Honors program===
The Honors Program includes students from every college and school at Ferris except Kendall—students from almost every major participate in the Honors Program. About a third of the Honors students major in pre-pharmacy or similar disciplines, but a large number of students are in the College of Business, College of Health Professions, and College of Engineering Technology. Honors students live in specialized residence halls (mostly in single rooms), take enhanced general education courses, attend cultural events, and complete 15 hours of community service per semester.

===Reputation and rankings===
{{Infobox US university ranking
| USNWR_NU = 304
| Wamo_NU = 174
| QS_W = 1970
| THES_W = 501-600
| Forbes = 328
}}
''[[Forbes]]'' listed Ferris State University 219th in their ranking for Best Public Colleges. They also ranked the university 251th in Research Universities and 99th In The Midwest.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferris State University |url=https://www.forbes.com/colleges/ferris-state-university/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' ranked Ferris State University's College of Pharmacy is in the top tier of graduate pharmacy programs in the nation, ranking in 60th in a list of 141 schools and colleges offering Doctor of Pharmacy degrees accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferris State's College of Pharmacy ranked in nation's top tier by U.S. News and World Report |url=https://www.ferris.edu/news/archive/2024/april/pharmacy-program-rankings.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=ferris.edu |language=en}}</ref> The school was also listed among the nation's Best Value College for the 2023–24 seasons, basing the institution for their academics, student success outcomes, financial aid and net price.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferris Ranks Prominently Among the Nation’s Best Value Colleges for 2023-24 |url=https://www.ferris.edu/news/archive/2023/march/value.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=ferris.edu |language=en}}</ref>

==Campus==
Ferris State University joined the state's higher education system in 1950. The campus was all but destroyed by fire the same year. The only building to survive was the Alumni Building, built in 1929, at the north edge of campus. Since the fire, more than 117 buildings have been built on the main campus.

===Main campus===
[[File:Ferris State University August 2010 14 (FLITE).JPG|thumb|right|Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE)]]
[[File:Ferris State University August 2010 10 (Timme Center).JPG|thumb|right|Timme Center for Student Services]]
[[File:Ferris State University August 2010 09 (IRC).JPG|thumb|right|Interdisciplinary Resource Center]]
Located on the southern edge of the [[Big Rapids, Michigan|City of Big Rapids]], straddling the border between [[Big Rapids Township, Michigan|Big Rapids Township]] and the city, the university has over {{convert|880|acre|km2}} for its main campus. The campus begins about four blocks south of the historic [[central business district]]. It is bordered on the north by single-family homes built in the early to middle of the twentieth century. North of Perry Street, the university is bordered by strip commercial development. The university is bordered to the south and west by Big Rapids Township. The township is mostly undeveloped and rural.<ref name="masterplan">{{cite web|title=2009 Master Plan |publisher=Ferris State University |url=http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/administration/president/pdf/BRmasterplan09.pdf |access-date=April 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531192901/http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/administration/president/pdf/BRmasterplan09.pdf |archive-date=May 31, 2010 }}</ref>

The main campus is within easy walking distance of downtown Big Rapids with its restaurants, shops, movie theater, art gallery and municipal park. Bicyclists, hikers and in-line skaters have easy access to the [[White Pine Trail State Park|White Pine Trail]], Michigan's longest "rails to trails" project.<ref>{{cite web|title=WMTGC Fall 2009 Newsletter |publisher=West Michigan Trails & Greenways Coalition |url=http://www.wmtrails.org/uploads/files/FALL2009.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719045742/http://www.wmtrails.org/uploads/files/FALL2009.pdf |archive-date=July 19, 2011 }}</ref>

The campus has undergone major changes since 1990. Several new and renovated buildings, reworked roads and parking areas, pedestrian walkways, and greenspace areas have contributed to the changes on campus.

*The National Elastomer Center was added in 1998 to house the Plastics Engineering and Rubber Engineering Technology programs.
*The FLITE building (FSU Library for Information, Technology and Education), located at the termination of Perry Street, reintroduced the historic front entrance to the university, and defined the adjacent quad at the campus epicenter.
*The renovation of the Timme Library to the Timme Center for Student Services consolidated previously scattered student services in one location.
*The Granger Center for Construction and HVACR, stimulated redevelopment of the northern part of campus. The building was designed with an open layout that left most of the mechanical components open for viewing by the students as a working lab.<ref>{{cite web|title=Granger Center for Construction and HVACR |publisher=Ferris State University |url=http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/technolo/link_desc.cfm?subLinkID=150 |access-date=April 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319194525/http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/technolo/link_desc.cfm?subLinkID=150 |archive-date=March 19, 2012 }}</ref>
*The IRC Connector between the Business School and the Interdisciplinary Resource Center (IRC) created a collaborative meeting and lounge space which is heavily used by students at all hours.
*Opening of the new Michigan College of Optometry building in January 2011.
*North Hall opened in August 2017. It is a "Freshman Experience" Residence Hall, and features classrooms, study rooms, a lounge, game room, and a kitchen for residents.

The university has {{convert|3483298|sqft}} of building space on the Big Rapids campus, with {{convert|1764658|sqft}} in academic use.<ref name="masterplan"/>

===Satellite and online locations===
In addition to the main campus, Ferris State University has programs offered at 19 off-campus locations including [[Dowagiac, MI|Dowagiac]], [[Grand Rapids, MI|Grand Rapids]], [[Flint, MI|Flint]], [[Lansing, MI|Lansing]], [[Traverse City, MI|Traverse City]], and [[University Center, MI|University Center]]. Although the main campus of the university is located in a rural setting the satellite locations are all located in larger, more urban communities. Some programs, such as the Doctor of Pharmacy program, are split between locations having students take the first 2 years of study at a campus in one city and the next 2 years at another.<ref>http://www.ferris.edu/michigan-college-of-pharmacy-doctorate-degrees-programs.htmM{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>  These locations are managed by the division of Extended and International Operations under the heading Ferris Statewide and Online.<ref name="statewide">{{cite web |title=Ferris Statewide |publisher=Ferris State University |url=http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/statewide/locations/index.htm |access-date=January 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228002623/http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/statewide/locations/index.htm |archive-date=December 28, 2010 }}</ref>

==Organization==

===Administrative structure===
Ferris State University is governed by a board of trustees which has general supervision of the institution and controls and directs institutional expenditures. Members of the Board serve eight-year, staggered terms as appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the [[Michigan Senate|State Senate]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Trustees |publisher=Ferris State University |url=http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/administration/president/trustees.htm |access-date=August 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928133300/http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/administration/president/trustees.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2009 }}</ref>

The president of the university is appointed by the board of trustees as its principal executive officer and serves at its pleasure. The president is an [[ex-officio]] member of the board without the right to vote. At present, the university is led by its 19th president, Bill Pink, who was inaugurated on June 30, 2022.

===Student government===
The mission of the Student Government of Ferris State University is to represent student interests in all aspects of campus life as well as maintain open channels of communication between students, faculty, staff, administration, and the Big Rapids community.<ref>{{cite web|title=Student Government |publisher=Ferris State University Student Government |url=http://studentgov.ferris.edu/ |access-date=January 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610071153/http://studentgov.ferris.edu/ |archive-date=June 10, 2011 }}</ref>

The General Assembly of Student Government is composed of two voting bodies; a House of Representatives and a Senate.  Each registered student organization (RSO) in good standing is eligible to hold one seat on the House of Representatives. Senators are elected by the students in their respective academic colleges.<ref name="studentgov">{{cite web|title=Student Government Constitution |publisher=Ferris State University Student Government |url=http://studentgov.ferris.edu/images/Documents/Constitution%20of%20Student%20Government%202009.pdf |access-date=January 24, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The leadership rests in the Cabinet; president, executive vice president, treasurer, director of finance, and director of internal assessment.<ref name="studentgov" />

==Athletics==
{{main|Ferris State Bulldogs}}
The [[Ferris State Bulldogs]] are the athletic teams for the university. Ferris State offers an intercollegiate athletic program that includes 14 men's and women's sports at the [[NCAA Division II|NCAA Division II level]], except for men's ice hockey which competes in [[NCAA Division I]]. Ferris State is a member of the [[Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] (GLIAC) in all sports except men's ice hockey, in which the team is part of the [[Central Collegiate Hockey Association]].

Year in and year out, nearly 400 student-athletes have the opportunity to compete for the Bulldogs on a regional and national level for conference titles and NCAA Championships. Ferris' men's club ice hockey won the [[American Collegiate Hockey Association]] Division II national title in 1994. In March 2018, the men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II national championship. The football team won back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships in December 2021 and December 2022.  The football team won their third NCAA Division II championship in four years in December 2024.
{{clear left}}

===Sports===
[[File:Ferris State University August 2010 05 (Top Taggart Field).JPG|thumb|right|Top Taggart Field, Ferris State's football stadium]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Men's Sports!! Women's Sports
|-
| [[Basketball]]|| [[Basketball]]
|-
|  || [[Cheerleading]]
|-
| [[Cross country running|Cross Country]] || [[Cross country running|Cross Country]]
|-
| [[American football|Football]] || 
|-
| [[Golf]]||[[Golf]]
|-
| ||[[Soccer]]
|-
| [[Ice Hockey]] ||
|-
| ||[[Softball]]
|-
| [[Tennis]] || [[Tennis]]
|-
| [[Track and field]]||[[Track and field]]
|-
| ||[[Volleyball]]
|}

==Student life==
[[File:Ferris State University August 2010 12 (Vandercook Hall).JPG|thumb|right|Vandercook Hall]]

===Enrollment decline===
Ferris State has seen a dramatic drop in enrollment in recent years. In 2013 total enrollment was 14,707.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferris Announces More Than 14,000 Students Enrolled this Fall |url=https://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/news/archive/2013/september/enrollment.htm |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=ferris.edu}}</ref> In 2021 total enrollment had dropped to 10,361.<ref name=":0" />

===Ferris State ''Torch''===
The Ferris State ''Torch'' is a student-run newspaper first published in 1931.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}

===Greek life===
There are dozens of Greek organizations on campus.

==School songs==

===Fight song===
{{Listen
|filename=Fighting Bulldogs.ogg
|title="Fighting Bulldogs" (1958)
|description=30 second sample from Ferris State College Marching Band
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
The first performance of the new fight song, "Fighting Bulldogs" was at Homecoming in 1958.<ref name="ferrismusic">{{cite web|title=Major Accomplishments of the Music Program|publisher=Ferris State University |url=https://www.ferris.edu/arts-sciences/departments/music/history/major-accomplishments-music-programs.htm |access-date=January 19, 2025 }}</ref>
{{-}}
===Alma mater===
{{Listen
|filename=Ferris Fidelity.ogg
|title="Ferris Fidelity" (1957)
|description=30 second sample from Ferris State College Men's Glee Club
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
The adoption of the new Ferris alma mater song, "Ferris Fidelity" and its first performance under direction of composer Graham T. Overgard were at the Christmas concert in 1957.<ref name="ferrismusic"/>

==Notable alumni==
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
*[[Norm Augustinus]], syndicated writer/author who has appeared in over 40 television commercials; the ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' has called him a "Cult Icon".
*[[Jeff Blashill]], former head coach of the [[Detroit Red Wings]]
*[[Carlton Brewster]], wide receiver and kickoff returner; has also spent time on [[NFL]] practice squads with the [[Green Bay Packers]], [[San Diego Chargers]] and [[Denver Broncos]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/01/ex-creston_star_carlton_brewst.html |title = Ex-Creston star Carlton Brewster signs with Chicago Rush of Arena Football League |work = [[The Grand Rapids Press]] |date = January 18, 2011 |first = Brian |last = VanOchten |access-date = January 3, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121012012440/http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/01/ex-creston_star_carlton_brewst.html |archive-date = October 12, 2012 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>
*[[Monty Brown]], linebacker for the [[Buffalo Bills]] and the [[New England Patriots]], [[WWE]] professional wrestler<ref name="TNAInt">{{cite web|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/columns/interviews/full.php?interview=90 |title=Exclusive Interview with The Alpha Male |date=June 18, 2004 |access-date=April 7, 2007 |publisher=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014718/http://www.tnawrestling.com/columns/interviews/full.php?interview=90 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Shawn Christian]], actor on ''[[As the World Turns]]''<ref name=alums/>
*[[John Gruden]], former defenseman for the [[Boston Bruins]], [[Ottawa Senators]] and [[Washington Capitals]]<ref name=LoH>{{cite web |url = http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=10577 |title = John D. Gruden |work = Legends of Hockey |publisher = [[Hockey Hall of Fame]] |access-date = January 3, 2012 }}</ref>
* [[Zach Hankins]] (born 1996), basketball player for [[Hapoel Jerusalem B.C.|Hapoel Jerusalem]] of the [[Israeli Basketball Premier League]]
*[[Jeff Hephner]], actor known for his recurring role as Matt Ramsey during the third season of ''[[The O.C.]]'', and as the lead Morgan Stanley Buffkin in the 2008 television series ''[[Easy Money (TV series)|Easy Money]]''. He also played the role of football coach Red Raymond on [[The CW]] series ''[[Hellcats]]''.
*[[Al Jardine]], guitarist for [[The Beach Boys]]<ref name=alums>{{cite news |title = Notable Ferris Alums |url = http://www.fsutorch.com/2009/09/30/arts-entertainment/notable-ferris-alums/ |work = Ferris State Torch |location = Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan |date = September 30, 2009 |access-date = January 3, 2012 }}</ref>
*[[Butch Jones]], current head coach of the [[Arkansas State Red Wolves football]] team. Jones previously served as head coach at [[Central Michigan University]] from 2007 to 2009, [[Cincinnati Bearcats football]] team from 2010 to 2012, and [[Tennessee Volunteers football]] from 2013 to 2017.<ref name=jones>{{cite web |url = http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/parentinfo/success/2010/Butch/ |title = Butch Jones Making His Mark in Division I Football |work = Alumni Success Stories |publisher = Ferris State University |author = Staff |access-date = January 3, 2012 }}</ref>
*[[Dave Karpa]], former NHL defenseman for the [[Quebec Nordiques]], [[Mighty Ducks of Anaheim]], [[Carolina Hurricanes]] and [[New York Rangers]] between 1993 and 2003<ref>{{cite web |author = Staff |title = Dave Karpa |publisher = hockeyDB.com |year = 2008 |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=2647 |access-date = May 10, 2009 }}</ref>
*[[Dana King]], former news anchor for CBS news affiliate [[KPIX-TV]] in [[San Francisco, California]].<ref name=alums/>
*[[Jeff Kellogg]], retired [[Major League Baseball]] umpire.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MLB Umpire Bios|url=https://www.mlb.com/official-information/umpires/bios|access-date=2021-06-09|website=MLB.com|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Vennela Kishore]], Indian film actor, known for his comic roles in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] films.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-18|title=Software professional turns comedian|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/birthday-special-vennela-kishore-the-rise-of-the-comedy-superstar/photostory/65859220.cms|access-date=2020-09-13|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Chris Kunitz]], former NHL player<ref name = fstate>{{cite press release |url = http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/hockey/archives/0203news/kunitzhobeyfinalist.htm |title = Chris Kunitz among Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalists |publisher = Ferris State University |access-date = January 3, 2012 |archive-date = February 7, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120207140827/http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/hockey/archives/0203news/kunitzhobeyfinalist.htm |url-status = dead }}</ref>
*[[Sparky McEwen]], American football player and coach
*[[Harry Melling (NASCAR)|Harry Melling]], 1988 [[NASCAR]] championship car owner ([[Melling Racing]]) and owner of Melling Tool<ref name=alums/>
*[[Stacy Erwin Oakes]], former State Representative, [[Michigan House of Representatives]], 95th District.<ref name=SEOakes>{{cite web|author=Staff |url=http://repstacyerwinoakes.com/Stacy_Erwin_Oakes/Profile.html |title=Profile |work=Official Website |publisher=Stacy Erwin Oakes |access-date=January 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085946/http://repstacyerwinoakes.com/Stacy_Erwin_Oakes/Profile.html |archive-date=April 26, 2012 }}</ref>
*[[Zach Redmond]], professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the [[Montreal Canadiens]] of the [[National Hockey League]].
*[[Blair Riley]], ice hockey player with the [[Belfast Giants]] of the [[EIHL]]
*[[Andy Roach]], former defenseman for the [[St. Louis Blues]]<ref name=roach>{{cite web |author = Staff |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=18576 |title = Andy Roach |publisher = hockeyDB.com |year = 2008 |access-date = January 3, 2012 }}</ref>
*[[George Ryan]], [[Governor of Illinois|39th Governor]] of [[Illinois]] from 1999 until 2003<ref name=alums/>
*[[Zach Sieler]], [[NFL]] football player for the [[Miami Dolphins]]
*[[Tavierre Thomas]], [[NFL]] football player for the [[Cleveland Browns]]
*[[Gary Waters]], former head basketball coach for [[Cleveland State University]]<ref>{{cite web |author = Staff |url = http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/hall/2002/waters/ |work = Ferris State University Bulldog Hall of Fame |publisher = Ferris State University |title = Gary Waters, Basketball, 1972–89 |access-date = March 25, 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110614115357/http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/hall/2002/waters/ |archive-date = June 14, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>
*[[Frederick Weston]], celebrated as an African-American gay artist whose collages drew recognition late in his life

==See also==
*{{Portal-inline|Michigan}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{ccat}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/ Athletics website]

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