May 5, 2020

Dear Colleagues:

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Ball State University continues to provide a premier education and to serve our neighbors in many ways.

Several student teams completed immersive learning projects remotely to benefit the Muncie community and our other neighbors. Ball State’s public broadcasting station, WIPB, joined with other PBS affiliates across the state to offer at-home learning experiences for K-12 students, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education. And the Charles W. Brown Planetarium is lending its computers to a global effort to help researchers better understand the novel coronavirus.

This Summer, we will provide opportunities for adult learners to advance their careers and for recent high school graduates to jump start their college education. Some of our courses are focused on the impact of COVID-19 through various perspectives, including the arts, the humanities, and communication. Adult learners will find more information at bsu.edu/start/summer, and high school seniors may visit bsu.edu/start/seniors.

During this time of year, future Cardinals usually see our beautiful campus in person. This Spring, though, we have found creative ways for them to engage with Ball State virtually. In addition, some dedicated students created a one-minute tour of campus.

As we anticipate the end of our initial response to this pandemic, we must continue to prepare for Fall. Several groups on campus are working on contingency plans to address how we can best provide instruction and support services. We remain committed to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 and are evaluating the feasibility of holding ceremonies in July or October.

In these unprecedented times, I am grateful for the work that our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have done—and continue to do. Together, we will surmount these challenges.

Below are a few more stories that I hope you will enjoy and then share. Let your friends and colleagues know how “We Fly” at Ball State.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

News to Use

One Ball State Day Raises More Than $530,000

On April 7, during One Ball State Day, our alumni and friends continued the tradition of Cardinals helping Cardinals. We focused our fundraising efforts solely on our students, who need our support now more than ever. Ball State raised more than $530,000 in gifts. A substantial amount, about $145,000, bolster two important funds established to assist students with extraordinary financial need. With these philanthropic investments, our University continues to have a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of women and men.

New Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management

Paula Luff began her service as our new vice president for enrollment planning and management on April 20, 2020. In her new role, Paula oversees the ongoing implementation of our University’s new strategic enrollment plan, and she will provide leadership for all areas of our admissions. She will also oversee the offices of the Registrar and Financial Aid and Scholarships. Paula’s personal experience as a first-generation college graduate inspired her to dedicate her professional career to helping others obtain a college education that will change the trajectory of their lives.

Prestigious National Scholarships for Ball State Students

Our students continue to earn prestigious national scholarships. Our University recently celebrated our 12th Goldwater Scholarship winner. And 35 Ball State students and recent alumni, including three in 2020, have been selected for Fulbright U.S. Student grants over the past decade.

Ball State's Partnership with 21st Century Scholars

In partnership with 21st Century Scholars, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of a program that provides income-eligible Hoosiers up to four years of paid tuition at a participating Indiana college or university. I am proud that Ball State has graduated more than 4,600 students throughout the history of the program. For alumna Anyea Gooch, now the program director for after-school care at Eliza A. Blaker Elementary School in Indianapolis, the scholarship relieved her of financial concerns as she earned her bachelor’s degree. Read her story and more at bsu.edu/21stcenturyscholars.

Innovate WithIN 2020 State Finals

A team of three high school students from Lake County won first place in the Innovate WithIN 2020 State Finals pitching competition with their proposal to develop a therapeutic glove for people with arthritis. Innovate WithIN was co-sponsored by Ball State in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and the Indiana Department of Education. Ball State also works with Small Business Development Centers to make the competition possible.

Accreditors Endorse Ball State Programs

Ball State programs recently received important endorsements. Our Miller College of Business and Paul W. Parkison Department of Accounting have maintained dual accreditation by AACSB International—a hallmark of excellence in business education earned by less than 5% of the world’s business schools. Our new master of social work (MSW) program achieved candidacy status from the Council on Social Work Education.

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Ball State University
2000 W. University Ave.
Muncie, IN | 47306 US

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