With new Ball State University students preparing to begin their studies on our vibrant campus in August, I am grateful to everyone from across the University’s colleges and divisions who have been supporting our Fall Orientation series for first-year and transfer students. Our Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation staff have led this effort, hosting daily sessions from June 1 to July 9.
Orientation is one of the most important ways we help our new students and their families transition into their Ball State experience. It is never too early to begin preparing our students for success.
A total of 1,864 new students attended Orientation during the first two weeks of this year’s program. As of June 12, 3,546 first-year students had registered for sessions this Summer—an increase of approximately 4 percent compared to the same time last year. Transfer student registrations reached 338, an increase of about 7 percent from last year.
I am confident that the efforts of our campus colleagues will positively impact thousands of new Cardinals. The strong start we are providing helps fulfill our mission of preparing our students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.
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Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University
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Summer Commencement Set for July 18
Ball State University's 2026 Summer Commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at Worthen Arena. The ceremony does not require tickets for graduates and guests. Worthen Arena will open at 9 a.m. with open seating available. Additional information about this year’s Summer Commencement is available online. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Summer Commencement web page.
To ensure the safety of all graduates and their guests, security measures—including the clear bag policy and the use of weapon detection systems—will be in effect. Learn more about Commencement security and safety protocols online.
Those interested in serving as an ambassador at Commencement should confirm their participation by completing the Commencement Ambassador Form by Monday, July 6. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Justus at 765-285-5554 or at sarah.justus@bsu.edu.
Fall Opening Convocation 2026 Set for Aug. 18 at Emens Auditorium
Join President Mearns, faculty, and staff as Ball State kicks off the academic year with the University’s Fall Opening Convocation at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, in Emens Auditorium. Convocation includes a continental breakfast, beginning at 8 a.m. at Emens. All faculty and staff are invited to attend.
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Progress in Employee Engagement Celebrated
This year's Gallup engagement results reflect meaningful progress across Ball State University. Twenty-seven teams achieved engagement scores in the 90th percentile or higher, 26 teams scored in the 75th–89th percentile, and numerous teams demonstrated meaningful improvement in their overall engagement scores.
Participation in the survey also increased to 73%, providing an even stronger picture of the employee experience across campus. In addition, University results show meaningful improvement in engagement, action planning, and progress on team goals following the survey.
While these recognitions celebrate important progress, engagement is not a one-time event or annual survey effort. The work continues year-round through conversations, feedback, action planning, recognition, and intentional leadership. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and contributed to creating a workplace where employees feel heard, supported, connected, and engaged in meaningful work.
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Division of People and Culture |
Review Emergency Contact Information in Workday; Make Necessary Updates
Now is a good time for Ball State employees to log in to Workday to review their emergency contact information and ensure it is up to date and accurate.
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- Log in to Workday.
- Click the profile icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
- Select “View Profile.”
- From the left-hand side of your profile screen, select “Actions.”
- Select “Personal Data.”
- Select “Change Emergency Contacts.”
- Add, update, or verify your emergency contact information.
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Division of Student Affairs |
Get Ready for Fall 2026 Weeks of Welcome
Ball State University’s Fall 2026 Weeks of Welcome (WoW), a comprehensive transition program for first-year students, runs from Aug.16–Sept. 20.
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The program is built around six primary goals for the student experience:
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Cardinal Spirit: experiencing Ball State athletics and student organizations
- Campus Geography: familiarizing students with key campus locations
- Academic Focus: learning how the University supports academic success
- Campus Culture: discovering independence and Ball State’s traditions
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Campus Resources: exploring health, safety, and belonging services
- Social Connection: meeting fellow Cardinals and having fun
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For first-year students, participation is mandatory during the initial week. Move-in occurs Aug. 16–17, followed by several mandatory events. Required programming runs from Aug.17–22. Students must attend every mandatory session plus two or three elective sessions. Attendance is recorded.
The schedule includes several high-impact events centered on academics, social connection, community, and spirit. Learn more about the events online. Students can manage their schedule and access the event calendar via the Weeks of Welcome Hub on Be Connected.
A major focus for 2026 is student success through the CliftonStrengths® Assessment. Sixty certified staff members serve as coaches and champions. Students will receive an introduction during Weeks of Welcome, marking the first of six annual touchpoints. Additional engagement with CliftonStrengths will occur throughout the first-year experience.
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Center for Innovation and Collaboration |
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New Center Approaches Major Milestone in Mid-July
The Center for Innovation and Collaboration will reach a major milestone this Summer as teams begin moving into the facility in mid-July. This moment marks the culmination of years of planning and progress since construction began in 2024 and just over a year after the community beam-signing celebration in May 2025.
The Digital Corps will relocate its operations to the second floor, while the IDIA Lab will have a satellite office within the first-floor AR/VR Lab. The center’s team will be based on the third floor alongside the satellite offices of University collaborators, including Emerging Media Design and Development (EMDD), the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, and the Career Center.
The center will also welcome two community partners—the Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce and the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center— further strengthening connections between the University and the region.
The goal is to be fully operational by mid-August and ready to welcome incoming students during Weeks of Welcome, scheduled for Aug.16–Sept. 20. The center is designed to serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning, bringing students, faculty, staff, and community partners together to create new opportunities and drive regional impact.
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'Our Call to Beneficence' Podcast |
Latest Episode of ‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Features Ball State Graduate Timothy M. Andrews
CEO of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), Timothy M. Andrews, ’84, is the guest on the June 2026 episode of the monthly podcast “Our Call to Beneficence,” hosted by Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. This episode is available online now. All episodes of the “Our Call to Beneficence” podcast are available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This episode marks the end of this season for the podcast. The next season begins with a new episode in late September 2026.
Mr. Andrews has more than 30 years of experience in digital media, publishing, information services, marketing, and advertising. Under his guidance, ASI has become the industry leader in technology and multimedia marketing across all platforms. His successful career as a media executive includes 16 years at Dow Jones & Co., where he served in a variety of senior management roles, before joining ASI as its president in 2003.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1984 from the College of Communication, Information, and Media, double-majoring in journalism and economics. He has said his accomplishments as a Ball State student contributed to his ability to succeed in his field.
The Timothy M. Andrews Lobby in the University’s Multicultural Center was named to honor Mr. Andrews for his $345,000 gift made in 2021 to help fund the center’s graduate assistantship, which also bears his name.
Additionally, Mr. Andrews serves on the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors.
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Lifetime Learning by Ball State |
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Learning Doesn't Stop When Class Ends
Lifetime Learning by Ball State offers people the opportunity to continue building in-demand skills that elevate their career paths. Lifetime Learning’s non-credit, market-driven programs are designed for busy individuals who want flexible, targeted learning that fits their schedule and goals.
There is still time to enroll in a paid certification through the Workforce Ready Grant (WRG). Indiana residents with a high school diploma and less than a bachelor's degree may qualify to have tuition covered for high-demand certifications, including Certified Medical Assistant, CAPM® project management, or CompTIA A+. This is real workforce training that leads to real career outcomes, and the funding is available now.
These programs help learners earn industry-recognized credentials that strengthen resumes and open doors to new opportunities. The courses are self-paced, allowing for flexible Summer learning.
Beyond WRG, Lifetime Learning offers skill badges, additional industry certifications, exam prep, and online career training—all structured to meet today's evolving job market and help individuals stay competitive.
Don't miss the chance to upskill with tuition-free training. Learn more online.
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Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning |
Publishing News
Walter Grondzik, professor emeritus; Daniel Overbey, associate professor of architecture; and co-author Alison Kwok, professor at the University of Oregon, recently published the 14th edition of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings (MEEB). Twice recognized with the American Institute of Architects’ AIA Citation for Excellence in International Architecture Book Publishing, the textbook is widely used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals and students. The new edition includes updated content on sustainable and resilient building design, including zero-energy and zero-carbon buildings, electrification, decarbonization, healthy buildings, and other emerging topics, along with new learning tools, case studies, and illustrations.
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Miller College of Business |
Research Roundup
Miller College of Business faculty continue to contribute to research in marketing, economics, organizational science, and hospitality education. Among the recent publications and accepted manuscripts:
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Shaheen Borna had “Opinion Leadership and Data Quality in Consumer Decision-Making: A Phase-Specific Analysis of the Rational Decision Process” accepted for publication in the European Journal of Management Studies. The study examines how source characteristics and information quality influence consumer decision-making, especially for high-value purchases.
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Shaheen Borna also had “Impact of Financial Distress on Consumer Anxiety and Spending Behavior” accepted for publication in the Journal of Global Marketing. The study finds that financial distress increases consumer anxiety, which can reduce spending behavior.
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Maoyong Fan published “Weighing Down the Future: Long-term Effects of Childhood Obesity on Intergenerational Mobility” in the Journal of Population Economics. The research examines how early health conditions can shape long-term economic opportunity.
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Imran Kadolkar had “I Gotta Feeling: Advancing Sentiment Analysis in Organizational Science” accepted for publication in Organizational Research Methods. The article offers a framework for improving sentiment analysis in organizational research.
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Kwang-Ho Lee published “Validating Experiential Learning Competencies in Hospitality Education: A Three-Study Examination of Leadership Self-Efficacy and Community Contribution” in the Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education.
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College of Communication, Information, and Media |
CCIM Welcomes High School Students for Annual Workshops
At the end of June, the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) hosted more than 130 high-school students at its annual workshops. The visiting students enrolled in a range of courses covering topics, including photography, multimedia storytelling, sports reporting, esports, production, visual effects, yearbook design and planning, leadership, and public relations. The high school students had hands-on learning opportunities and access to equipment, such as the LED Volume wall, that CCIM students use. Additionally, the high-school students were able to share their work from the four-day camp at a closing ceremony, with family members and guardians invited to attend.
CCIM Students, Faculty Member Win 2026 Central Great Lakes Emmy® Awards
At this year’s Emmy awards ceremony, a faculty member and several students from the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) were recognized for their excellence, and two representatives were named winners of the prestigious award.
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- Sports Program — Post-Produced or Edited Category: Jude Kieffer (producer), Joran Klimes (producer), Nathaniel Locker (director of cinematography), and Ashlynne Owens (producer)
- Photographer — News or Sports Category: Nathaniel Locker, Cinematography Reel
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- Sports Story — Short or Long Form Content Category: Nathaniel Locker, producer of “Every Step—The Annika Klauss Story”
- Graphic Arts — Visual Effects, Motion Effects, Composing Category: Associate Lecturer of Media Chris Flook, motion designer for “It’s A Wonderful Life Title Sequence: IPR Holiday Drama”
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Ball State Studio Band to Perform at Indianapolis Zoo
The Ball State Studio Band, the University’s premier commercial music ensemble, will perform July 9 as part of the Indianapolis Zoo’s Animals and All That Jazz Summer concert series. Known for its dynamic performances of funk, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and contemporary popular music, the audition-only ensemble provides students with authentic commercial music experiences on stage and in the recording studio. The performance highlights the talent and professionalism of Ball State’s Music Media Production students while bringing live music to audiences from across the region.
Graduate Earns Award for Project
Recent Ball State graphic design graduate Alyssa Vena has received the Joe and Carol Trimmer Award for her Honors Creative Project “Pawse,” an industrial design concept connecting students with local animal shelters through accessible volunteer opportunities. The project was recognized for its innovative, community-focused approach to engagement, animal welfare, and user-centered design.
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Dr. Renee Twibell Recognized Nationally for Pioneering Contributions to Nursing Science
Ball State graduate Dr. Renee Twibell, associate professor emerita in Ball State’s School of Nursing, has been selected to receive the 2026 Pioneering Spirit Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
The national award, one of AACN’s Visionary Leadership Awards, recognizes significant contributions that influence progressive and critical care nursing and reflect AACN’s mission, vision, and values.
Dr. Twibell serves as nurse scientist for IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and as current faculty in Ball State’s School of Nursing, where she teaches undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. Her career has bridged clinical practice, nursing education, and research, with a focus on advancing nursing science and improving patient care. Dr. Twibell earned her master’s degree in nursing education from Ball State in 1984. She has credited the University with preparing her for a fulfilling career as a nurse, educator, researcher, and scientist.
Read more in this Ball State press release.
Free Health Screenings Offered in July
The Healthy Lifestyle Center will provide free health screenings at the Jonesboro Community Center, as part of the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Mobile Market event, 4–6 p.m. on July 7, at 709 West 6th St., Jonesboro, Ind.
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College of Sciences and Humanities |
2026 CSH Graduates Earn Fulbright Awards; CSH Student Earns Udall Scholarship
Three students in the College of Sciences and Humanities (CSH) have recently been awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants, a nationally competitive honor that supports international teaching and cultural exchange.
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- Roman Hughes, ’24 MA ’26, of Westfield, Ind., earned his bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing from Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities. He also holds a master’s degree in English studies. Roman will teach English at a university in Poland.
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Jack Tagle, ’26, of Roachdale, Ind., graduated in May with a major in English from the College of Sciences and Humanities. Jack prepared for this experience through extensive teaching in area schools and volunteer tutoring at a community center. Jack will teach English in Thailand.
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Trey Michael Mathews, ’26, of Muncie, Ind., graduated in May with a major in Spanish and a minor in history from the College of Sciences and Humanities. He is also a graduate of the Honors College. Trey will teach English in Honduras.
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Michael Shaffer, associate clinical professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, published a book in April titled “Case Studies for Special Education Law: One Foot in the Real World, the Other Grounded in the Law.” He collaborated on the project with Teachers College alumna Linda Dowell, director of special services for Wayne Township.
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Ball State student Gem Sambugaro, a third-year student in Ball State’s Honors College, earned a Udall Scholarship—one of America’s most prestigious scholarships awarded to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to the environment or Native American nations.
Majoring in biology and pre-veterinary preparations in the College of Sciences and Humanities and minoring in Spanish, Gem Sambugaro plans to attend veterinary school.
Read more in this Ball State press release.
Science Students Gain Field Experience Through Bat Research
Under the guidance of Dr. Tim Carter, professor of biology, students are conducting bat research that contributes to understanding species behavior, ecology, and conservation. Through hands-on fieldwork, participants build skills in data collection, species identification, and scientific analysis while working in real-world environments. Read more in this CSH blog.
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Panel Appointment, Thought Leadership, and a State Championship
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Mike Steele, chair of the Department of Educational Studies, has been appointed to a National Academies panel for a consensus study titled “Mathematics Education in Grades 9–14”. The panel will examine how U.S. mathematics education can be modernized to reflect the evolving role of the mathematical sciences and ensure that all students develop the mathematical knowledge and skills needed to pursue their future goals. The study will explore core mathematical concepts and practices, effective pedagogical approaches, and the role of technology in teaching and learning.
- In addition, Dr. Steele was extensively quoted in an Indiana Capital Chronicle article that examines mathematics achievement in Indiana.
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Burris Laboratory School’s Esports teams delivered another outstanding season. For the second consecutive year, the Valorant team captured a State Championship with an undefeated record, while the Fortnite team finished as state runner-up.
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Professor Attends Nobel Partners In Peace Congress; Student to Attend Ceremony for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in December
Dr. Robin Blom, professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, and Honors College affiliate faculty member, attended the inaugural Nobel Partners in Peace Congress in Oslo, Norway, in late May. Invited as part of a 40-person delegation, Dr. Blom represented Ball State’s Honors College and its partnership with the Nobel Peace Center.
The delegation included representatives of universities from around the globe who presented the work of peace education on their home campuses. The Partners in Peace initiative is a collaboration project for higher education institutions between the National Collegiate Honors Council® and the Nobel Peace Center.
Ball State’s Honors College was named as one of the dozen inaugural institutional partners in 2023 and has offered courses centered on the Nobel Peace Prize and the work of Nobel Laureates for the past three years. As part of this partnership, honors student Brooklynn Ferrell, an urban planning major in the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, will take part in an online course on peace studies with Henrik Syse—former member of the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee—and then travel to Oslo in December to attend the awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to this year’s laureate.
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