September 26, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
I write to share a few highlights from today’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.
During the meeting, Paula Luff, vice president for enrollment planning and management, shared an update about enrollment. This Fall, our University enrolled more than 3,730 new freshmen, a number that is larger than our pre-pandemic ten-year average. Approximately 90 percent of our incoming freshmen are Hoosiers. This Fall’s freshman class is academically well prepared, with a median high school GPA of 3.58. Approximately 29 percent are first-generation college students, and 46 percent are Pell eligible.
And our total Fall enrollment—for new undergraduate students, returning undergraduate students, new graduate students, and returning graduate students—has grown to more than 20,000 students, which is approximately 1,000 more students than just three years ago.
The Board also heard an update from Chuck Reynolds, director of public education and CEO of Muncie Community Schools, and Dave Heeter and Keith O’Neal, MCS board members, about our University’s ongoing partnership with MCS.
Stabilized enrollment, a balanced budget, and increased pay for teachers and staff are among the positive outcomes that have resulted from Ball State University’s historic partnership with Muncie Community Schools.
Seven years into the partnership, Ball State continues to support the academic success of MCS students. Among the improved academic outcomes underway at the school district include double-digit growth in elementary school reading scores, a high school graduation rate that now exceeds the state average, and an increased number of MCS graduates enrolling in our Direct Admit program.
At the meeting, the Board also received a presentation from Dean Adam Beach about the strengths of our Graduate School. Dean Beach shared recent achievements, including our historic graduate enrollment and an increase in applications to our graduate programs. His report was followed by updates about the growth of our programs in Online and Strategic Learning and the expansion of offerings created by our Division of Lifetime Learning.
Finally, the Board approved the naming of LaFollette Lawn in honor of Dr. Alan Hargrave, who passed away in June. Dr. Hargrave served our University for 35 years and retired with emeritus status as associate vice president for student affairs and director of housing and residence life in 2021.
During his tenure, Dr. Hargrave transformed both buildings and the student experience itself—overseeing the construction of four new residence halls and the renovation of seven others. He was instrumental in shaping the University’s Housing and Dining Master Plan and elevating Ball State’s living-learning community model.
I am grateful for Dr. Hargrave’s many contributions to our University, and I appreciate that the naming of this field honors both his vision for the LaFollette Memorial space and his legacy on our campus.
As is customary, I made a few comments at the end of the meeting. I encourage you to read my remarks.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to serve you.
