Debbie Ford strides confidently across the University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus, only stopping a moment here and there to wave and smile to a passerby or chat with employees.

If this were a job interview for the chancellor’s job, Ford would have it nailed.

But she already got the job, besting four other finalists, back in May. There really is no need to put on a good show.

Spend some time with Ford, though, and it becomes evident: That’s just who she is. And, as she’s quick to note repeatedly, she’s happy to be here ... really, really happy to be here.

“This is just a wonderful opportunity,” she smiles, “and we’re very happy.”

The “we” would be her husband, John, who has a telecommuting job in medical administration, and their two children: Abby, 15, and John David, 11.

Ford, formerly the vice president of student affairs at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla., arrived in town at the end of July and spent her first day on the job Aug. 3.

Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of unpacking boxes, going to meetings and getting out of the office for a stroll around the grounds.

That’s what the Kenosha News did with Ford recently, taking in the new $17 million residence hall.

Before getting to the new building, some people sitting at a table smile and wave to her, and she returns the gesture.

“This is our great dining staff,” she says. “They do a tremendous job.”

Inside the new residence hall, she strikes up a conversation with some people unpacking furniture.

“I’m unpacking boxes, too,” she tells them with a smile.

As Ford walks down the hall, the two young people look at each other and whisper, apparently trying to figure out who she is.

Does she enjoy doing that?

“Sometimes,” she says, and smiles. “I just like to get to know everybody.

“Everyone here has rolled out the welcome mat,” she said. “The people are so friendly. I go into a store and have to show an ID, and people see I’m from Florida. They ask why am I here? I tell them I work at Parkside. And they ask, ‘Doing what?’ and I tell them I’m the chancellor, and they say, ‘Oh, I saw your picture in the paper!’ It’s been like that everywhere. Everybody is just so friendly and welcoming.”

Ford didn’t come up through the ranks the traditional way by becoming a dean, but she said many universities throughout the United States are looking at those who have taken a nontraditional route, such as outside community leaders, politicians and retired military officers.

“Part of that is the changing nature of chancellors and presidents,” she said. “Twenty years ago, you had to be an on-campus presence. Now I’m expected to be a big, off-campus presence as well. My background helps me in all those areas. It’s the right fit, and I’m at the right place at the right time.”

While the welcome has been warm, it hasn’t been without challenges.

Parkside is going through a tough budget reduction, but Ford said she believes she can still be nice and make the tough calls.

“First of all, experience with budget cuts is not new to Wisconsin,” she said. “We’ve dealt with budget reductions in Florida, and we’ve had to focus on priorities, and where to make reductions so that we can continue to maximize the mission. We’re going to be focusing on the strategic planning to make those decisions.

“Ultimately, I know I have to make the tough decisions, and I can’t make everyone happy, but I will make those decisions with the best interest of Parkside,” Ford added. “And if you don’t like those decisions, well, then let’s sit down and talk about it.”

The Department of Public Instruction also is finishing an inquiry into Parkside’s teacher education program that was noted for “serious deficiencies.” The former director, Kelly McFatter, who has resigned, was accused of not making students take required courses, and admitting others into the teacher preparation program without first passing required proficiency exams or meeting other admission requirements.

Ford said the university has made several corrections, and the goal is to make the program better, but she didn’t point fingers at any one person.

“I’ve had other folks ask me, ‘Why (did this happen)?’ My sense is there’s enough blame to go around, and I want to know how we go forward, so we don’t repeat this.

“We have prepared a two-phase response, resolved all the issues within 60 days that we had to and presented our plan to address remaining issues. The majority will be addressed during fall term.”

Despite the hectic schedule, Ford said she still takes time to walk her 2-year-old chocolate Lab, Brownie, in the morning, and spend time away from the office.

“Every day is a little different. There’s a lot of meetings, some of them are one-on-one, and there are several community events. Some days are longer than others. It depends on what day it is. I still take time to read and for family time. It’s about setting priorities.”