I want to express my gratitude to Scott Stachler, Ball State’s associate vice president and chief budget officer, for recently stepping into the role of acting vice president for business affairs.
Scott’s value to Ball State is rooted in his deep institutional knowledge and the strong relationships he has cultivated across campus. Since beginning his career in the bursar’s office in 2000, he has served in key roles, joining the finance office in 2007 before being named associate vice president and chief budget officer in 2019.
Among Scott’s many contributions, he played a vital role—collaborating with colleagues—in transitioning the University from a centralized, incremental budget model to an incentive-based budget model. This shift, aligned with our strategic plan, ensures that our resources advance student success, spur strategic growth, and foster innovation.
Scott’s dedication to Ball State began as a student. A 1998 graduate of our Miller College of Business, he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting before choosing to continue his career here.
We are fortunate that Scott’s commitment to Ball State has come full circle. His leadership supports our mission of preparing students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, and I am grateful for his continued service to our University.
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Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University
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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Renovated Cooper Science Building Set for April
All are welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Cooper Science Building at 2 p.m. on April 17. A reception and self-guided tours will immediately follow the ceremony.
The renovations revitalize Cooper’s spaces for astronomy, geography, and meteorology. Highlights of the building’s transformation include new labs and classrooms, a re-established rooftop observatory, collaborative study spaces, sustainability features, and tech-enhanced rooms to facilitate modern learning.
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‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Podcast |
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Latest Episode of ‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Features Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Dana J. Kenworthy, a Ball State Graduate
Judge Dana J. Kenworthy, ’98, who serves on the Indiana Court of Appeals, is the guest on the March 2025 episode of the monthly podcast “Our Call to Beneficence,” hosted by Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. This episode is available now. All episodes of the “Our Call to Beneficence” podcast are available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Judge Kenworthy to the Indiana Court of Appeals in December 2022. Before this appointment, she served as a Superior Court judge and as a deputy prosecutor, both in Grant County, Ind. Beyond her career in public service, Judge Kenworthy and her husband, Alex, have demonstrated deep commitment to their community. From 2003 to 2006, they served as foster parents to 15 children.
Judge Kenworthy earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from Ball State.
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Undergraduate Admissions & Orientation |
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Help Welcome New Cardinals on Admitted Student Day, April 4
Admitted Student Day 2025 is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Ball State’s campus on Friday, April 4. This annual open-house-style event gives the University’s next freshman class an opportunity to celebrate their admission and experience Ball State firsthand with their families. Throughout the day, admitted students can explore their academic areas of interest, connect with faculty, interact with current students, learn about student life, and get information about important next steps for enrolling at Ball State.
To support this event, all faculty and staff are encouraged to wear Ball State gear, help guests find their way around the campus, and “roll out the red carpet” for these potential new members of the Cardinal family. Learn more online.
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Celebrate Seven Years of Impact; Make a Gift on One Ball State Day
This year’s One Ball State Day (OBSD)—Ball State’s award-winning annual 24-hour online fundraising event—will take place on April 2. Gifts can be made online between midnight and 11:59 p.m. ET. This is an opportunity to support Ball State’s mission and strengthen communities by making a gift.
For seven years, your support on OBSD has empowered Ball State students to achieve their full potential, shaping the next generation of leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and community changemakers. Your generosity directly supports students, faculty, and programs, advancing workforce development and innovation. By giving, you become part of the Ball State story and make a lasting investment in future generations.
Be a part of the seventh annual One Ball State Day and help answer Our Call to Beneficence. Share your Ball State story on social media using #OneBallState and encourage others to participate.
Learn more and make your gift at oneballstate.bsu.edu.
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Division of Business Affairs |
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Ball State Names Rodney Nassiri as Associate Vice President for Facilities, Planning, and Management
Ball State University has appointed Rodney Nassiri as associate vice president for facilities, planning, and management, effective March 31.
Mr. Nassiri brings more than 20 years of experience in facilities and operations management, capital planning, and strategic leadership. He most recently served as senior director of facilities and construction management at Universal Studios Hollywood, where he oversaw large-scale infrastructure projects and maintenance operations.
In his new role, Mr. Nassiri will provide strategic leadership for Ball State’s campus planning, maintenance, and facilities operations. He will oversee the University’s 788-acre campus—widely recognized for its beauty and sustainability—which includes more than 90 buildings and several ongoing capital projects.
Also, his work will include advancing key initiatives such as the Village Revitalization Project and major renovations on the north side of campus. He will also collaborate with the University’s Chief Sustainability Officer to further Ball State’s leadership in environmentally responsible campus management.
This position was previously held by Jim Lowe, who retired June 30, 2024, after 37 years of dedicated service in shaping Ball State’s campus and facilities.
Read more in this Ball State press release.
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Lifetime Learning Hosts Two New Workshops at Ball State Fishers
Decoding Fact from Fiction: Mastering Media Literacy
Date: April 17
Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.
Location: Ball State Fishers
8626 E. 116th Street, Suite 300
(Attend in person or via Zoom)
This event is free and open to the public—but registration is required.
More About this Workshop: Katie Lorton, director of research and branch services at University Libraries, will demonstrate intentional media consumption and information sharing and how to evaluate information for accuracy, authority, and bias. Onsite attendees will enjoy refreshments from Another Broken Egg Cafe.
Unlocking Creative Innovation Series (Session One: Developing AI for Project Management)
Date: April 10
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Ball State University Fishers
8626 E. 116th Street, Suite 300
Cost: $25
More About this Series and Session One: The Center for Emerging Media Design and Development (EMDD) is hosting the Unlocking Creative Innovation series to help project managers or team members evolve into creative innovators. Hosted by Dr. Joshua Fisher, session one is a hands-on workshop about building and training an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that will create and validate budgets. By the end of the session, workshop participants will be able to apply these skills to create additional AI assistants that can automate repetitive tasks such as scheduling and progress tracking, providing predictive analysis and risk management assessment, and processing data to support informed decision-making.
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Division of Online and Strategic Learning |
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Commencement Celebration for Online Graduate Students Set for May 2
The Division of Online and Strategic Learning will hold a commencement celebration for online graduate students from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on May 2 in the David Letterman Communication and Media Building lobby. All are welcome to attend.
This celebration will recognize the educational achievements of online students and provide an opportunity for online students to connect with one another. The event will include appetizers, mortarboard decorating, a selfie and TikTok booth, and chair massages.
RSVP for the celebration by April 18 by emailing Michelle Carr, executive director for learner experience, at michelle.carr@bsu.edu.
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Thanking Employees for Support, Participation in 2025 Gallup Employee Engagement Survey
The Office for People and Culture is excited to share that 2,102 employees completed the 2025 Gallup Employee Engagement Survey. That figure is slightly more than last year. This year’s overall participation rate was 67 percent. The Office for People and Culture is working with Gallup to tabulate the results. Supervisors who had four or more people complete the survey will see results in Gallup Access at the beginning of April.
After initial results are shared, work will be done over the coming months to start engagement conversations within your teams and begin planning and taking action to improve engagement at the local level in our workplace.
Everyone is responsible for engagement. To the employees who took the surveys: Thank you for your time, input, and dedication to improving our University’s culture.
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Office of Community Engagement |
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Volunteer for Third Annual Civics Day at Muncie Central High School on May 2
Muncie Central High School will have its third annual Civics Day on May 2. The purpose of Civics Day is to offer opportunities for students to volunteer, job shadow, and participate in activities that will immerse them in the community. Organizer Julie Snider, a teacher at Muncie Central, is looking for participation from Ball State faculty and staff. Last year, more than 30 organizations and community leaders hosted students or volunteered at the school to work with more than 800 students who participated in the event. Learn more online. To receive more information and to volunteer, complete this form.
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Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs |
CHIRP Awards for High-Impact Courses Announced
To ensure all students can benefit from taking high-impact classes, the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (VPAA) seeks to reduce barriers that might prevent students from enrolling or participating fully. One barrier can be financial.
To this end, VPAA awarded 99 CHIRP awards totaling more than $53,000 in February:
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Fifty-seven CHIRP Scholar awards were given to students enrolled in Diverse Perspectives, Undergraduate Research, and Immersive Learning courses to help with transportation, supplies, equipment, professional attire, and missed wages. Most awards were $250-500 each.
- Twenty-seven CHIRP Scholar $1,000 awards were given to students enrolled in faculty-led Spring and Summer Study Abroad.
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Fifteen CHIRP Faculty awards were given to faculty teaching Diverse Perspectives, Undergraduate Research, and Immersive Learning courses to cover experiences and supplies that will deepen students’ high-impact experiences.
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Rinker Center Staffer Receives Award
Annika Vinje, a study abroad advisor, was awarded a Ping-Taylor Award from the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) to attend The Forum on Education Abroad’s annual conference, March 19-21, in Toronto.
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Office of the Vice Provost for Research |
Second Annual CHIRPS Week Set for April 14-18
CHIRPS Week: Celebrating Research, Creativity, and High Impact Practices—April 14-18—is designed to showcase the extraordinary talents of students and inspire interdisciplinary connection and collaboration across campus. Among the many exciting events and highlights of the week are:
April 14: Ethan Whitehead Guest Lecture in Sustainability Series
4 p.m. at the Architecture Building, Room 100
April 15: Oral Presentations Day (9 a.m.-noon) and CHIRPS Week Reception (noon-2 p.m.), featuring the Outstanding Creative Endeavor Awardee Keynote Speaker
L.A. Pittenger Student Center on the third floor and in Cardinal Hall, respectively
April 16: Student Symposium, featuring the Outstanding Junior Faculty Awardee Keynote Speaker
1-4 p.m. on the Worthen Arena Concourse
April 17: The Power of the Word
6:30-8 p.m. at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Rooms 301 and 302
April 18: Immersive Learning Showcase
1-3 p.m. at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Cardinal Hall
Learn more about CHIRPS Week online and register for the CHIRPS Week reception that is scheduled for April 15.
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Ball State Women's Basketball Team Earns First Regular-Season MAC Title Since 2003
For the second time in program history, the Ball State women’s basketball team has gone dancing. The Cardinals secured the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament title on March 15, earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Ball State finished the regular season 27-7 overall and 16-2 in MAC play, capturing its first regular-season conference title since 2003. The MAC Tournament championship is the Cardinals’ first since 2009, when they famously upset perennial powerhouse Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to No. 4 seed Iowa State.
The success of this year’s Cardinals team was evident in the year-end MAC awards, as senior Ally Becki was named MAC Player of the Year, senior Marie Keefer earned MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and Brady Sallee was named MAC Coach of the Year. Ms. Becki also was named MAC Tournament MVP.
Visit the team’s website to recap the Cardinals’ historic season and follow the team on its NCAA Tournament journey.
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Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning |
Publications and Accolade
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Tom Collins, associate professor of architecture, contributed a chapter to the book Teaching Carbon Neutral Design in North America: Twenty Award-Winning Architectural Design Studio Methodologies. The chapter highlights the college’s approach to design-build studios using examples from a recent project for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon®
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The article “The Evolving Role of Federal and State Planning Legislation in Local Plan Making: Lessons Learned and Prescription for Action,” written by Michael Burayidi, professor of urban planning, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Planning History.
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Matthew Wilson, an associate professor of architecture, has been selected for the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad in Tanzania with the School for International Training. While there, Dr. Wilson will attend Tuko Pamoja: Tanzanian Creativity & Perspectives in an Era of Climate Change—an experiential Summer 2025 workshop focused on decolonizing education and exploring innovative climate solutions.
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Two construction management teams delivered outstanding performances in their recent competitions. The new builder team, comprised of freshmen and sophomores competing for the first time, won first place in the Heavy Civil Division competition in Cincinnati. The team was coached by a junior student under the guidance of faculty mentor Tamer Breakah. Additionally, the construction management team, led by faculty mentor Gary Birk, won second place in the Association of General Contractors competition.
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Miller College of Business |
Ball State Sales Team Secures Multiple Awards at National Event
In late February, the Ball State Sales Team won 17 awards in various categories at the “Selling with the Bulls” intercollegiate sales competition at the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business.
First Flight: Lillian Johnson, Karina McDougle, Jacqueline Hochberg, and Lucy Lyons
Fifth place overall team
Jacqueline Hochberg: second place, email; and seventh place, voicemail
Lillian Johnson: sixth place, voicemail
Karina McDougle: second place, voicemail
Lillian Johnson: third place, networking
Lillian Johnson and Karina McDougle: winner's circle
Second Flight: Haydn Burzynski, Makayla Queen, Bre Taulbee, and Branden Erwin
Third place overall team
Haydn Burzynski: first place, LinkedIn; and second place, email
Makayla Queen: second place, LinkedIn; second place, voicemail; and winner’s circle
Bre Taulbee: third place, networking
Branden Erwin: third place, networking; and winner’s circle
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College of Communication, Information, and Media |
Speech Team Makes History, Extends State Championship Winning Streak; Looks Toward National Competitions
Last month, Ball State’s speech team made history as the first team in Indiana to win 15 consecutive team state championships—surpassing Indiana University’s eight-year winning streak record from 1992 to 1999. Twelve Ball State students earned multiple individual state champion titles as well. Also, senior Hayden Adams received the Scholarship in Communication Award for his paper titled “Reconceptualizing Masculinity in Relation to Cisness and Transness.”
Next, the team will compete in the National Forensic Association’s Championship Tournament on April 17 at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.
Debate Team Competes in National Competitions After Impressive Showing at State Championship
The Debate team will compete at nationals, March 28-31, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., aiming to secure a top-10 rating before the team’s second national tournament, April 4-6. At the end of February, the team secured wins at the Yaatly Online Debate League tournament and the Indiana Forensic Association’s state championships. As a result, Ball State is the seventh-rated squad in the nation—an improvement of three places in the national standings. Additionally, six students are individually ranked in the top 20 out of 252 for power rankings against other national partnerships.
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- Rachel Baker and Taylor Rector, seniors from Studio 165+, have been named to Graphic Design USA’s “2025 GDUSA Students to Watch” list. This annual recognition highlights emerging talent from top design programs nationwide, with 109 students from 55 programs earning a spot on the 2025 list. This marks the seventh consecutive year Studio 165+ seniors have received this honor.
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Franklin Larey, director of the School of Music, will receive an honorary doctor of music degree from Rhodes University in South Africa this year for his contributions to classical music. He received praise for his acclaimed performances and remarkable journey from facing apartheid-era restrictions to becoming a distinguished pianist and academic. The degree will be conferred on April 4 in Makhanda, a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
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Emma Nossem, ’18, has been named a district winner (for the Indiana district) in the 2024 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. This prestigious competition identifies and supports emerging opera talent. Ms. Nossem’s achievement follows previous appearances as a district competitor in 2021, 2022, and 2023, marking a significant milestone in her operatic career.
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Cohen Peace Conference Set for April 4-5
The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies will host the Benjamin V. Cohen Peace Conference, “Cultivating Paths to Sustainable Peace,” on April 4-5. The conference is entirely virtual. Zoom links will be sent to registered attendees via email. Register online.
Sports Administration Class hosts first-ever Charlie Classic Top Golf event
Registration is open through April 2 for the first Charlie Classic Top Golf event, which will be held from noon-3 p.m. on April 13 at Top Golf in Fishers. Individuals and groups of up to six can play. The event will feature Top Golf game competitions and a silent auction. Register online.
College of Health Students Among Winners of Three Minute Thesis Competition
Two College of Health students won in the final competition of the 2025 Three Minute Thesis Competition, held on Feb. 20:
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Second Place: Aidan Harmer, Department of Kinesiology, “Effects of Arch-Support Orthoses on Downhill Running Biomechanics”
- Third Place: Jennifer Stefanovski, Department of Counseling Psychology, “Face Value: Bilateral Stimulation’s Effect on Trauma-Driven Emotional Responses to Facial Cues”
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College of Sciences and Humanities |
Chemistry Science Day Returns on April 12
All are welcome to join the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS) for Chemistry Science Day, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 12 at the Foundational Science Building (first floor). Primarily geared to elementary-aged kids and their families, Chemistry Science Day includes demonstrations of elephant toothpaste and activities involving whoosh bottles, Shrinky Dinks®, oobleck, and photochromatic materials. Made of cornstarch and water, an oobleck is a suspension that can behave like a solid or liquid depending on the amount of pressure applied. SAACS aims to inspire a love for science in as many children as possible.
Department of English Celebrates 20th Anniversary of In Print: Ball State's Festival of First Books
The Department of English celebrated the 20th anniversary of In Print: Ball State's Festival of First Books with an event featuring Ball State alumni Jay Coles (fiction), Matt Hart (poetry), Alysia Sawchyn (creative nonfiction), and Gretchen Stelter (creative nonfiction, editing). Students, alumni, and community members attended the author reading, book signing, editing panel discussion, and showcase celebration.
Immersive Learning Students Present Live Event in Indianapolis
Students from the Department of Psychological Science will present Shape, a live event, at 7 p.m. on April 26 at The Athenaeum in Indianapolis. Shape will feature music, an art show, dance, and a story based on information from those impacted by mental health and substance use. The students are participating in every aspect of the event: documenting their stories, working with the artists to sensitively present the themes found in those stories, and organizing the educational/resource materials.
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Stuffie Clinic Attracts Hundreds of Attendees
On Feb. 22, Teachers College students and staff demonstrated beneficence toward hundreds of children at the free Stuffie Clinic event at the Muncie Children’s Museum. After receiving a free stuffed animal, the children participated in hands-on learning activities involving basic medical equipment and procedures, guided by students in Teachers College’s Child Life program.
Scholarship, Awards, and Honors
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- Indiana Academy senior Asia Genawi was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar, receiving a $20,000 scholarship. Asia Genawi is among only 150 students selected from more than 103,800 applicants nationwide. Coca-Cola Scholars are selected for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and ability to drive meaningful change and positively impact their communities.
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Stephanie Ries, assistant lecturer of early childhood, youth, and family (ECYF) studies, received a CHIRP Faculty Award to support her high-impact ECYF 231 project. As part of the initiative, students will visit Isaiah 117 Houses to understand better the needs of children awaiting foster care placement.
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Becky Satterfield, assistant lecturer in early childhood, youth, and family studies, earned a student-initiated Accessible Teacher Award for her dedication to promoting disability access.
- Brittany Bales, assistant teaching professor of special education, and Felicia Gray, assistant lecturer of elementary education, were named Outstanding Professors by the Ball State Panhellenic Association. They were honored for their mentorship and dedication.
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Friends of Bracken Library Dinner and Lecture Set for April 16
The annual Friends of Bracken Library dinner and lecture is being held on April 16 at the Alumni Center. The cocktail hour will be at 6 p.m. The dinner and lecture will begin at 7 p.m. Dr. Amy Petts, interim dean of University Libraries, will introduce the new dean of University Libraries, Dr. Nancy Abashian. Scheduled guest speakers are Melissa Gentry, Leo Gillis, and Cody Sprunger. They will discuss some of the fascinating hidden history of Ball State.
Register for the in-person event. Register for the virtual event.
New Offerings
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- On the Margins: Evaluating Information Found Online
University Libraries is hosting a virtual workshop, “On the Margins: Evaluating Information Found Online,” from 10-10:50 a.m. on April 9. Register online for the workshop. -
The Muncie Dragway and Speedway Memorabilia Collection
Ball State’s Archives and Special Collections has newly processed the Muncie Dragway and Speedway memorabilia collection. This collection consists of photographs, auto-racing newspapers, and a 1949 booklet detailing the rules and regulations of the Mutual Racing Association. Read more in this University Libraries blog.
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