March 31, 2026

    This month, our College of Communication, Information, and Media welcomes Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a presidential historian, to campus for the latest installment of our University’s David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series.

    Mr. Meacham will share his insights with students and the greater Muncie community during his March 31st appearance at Pruis Hall. Mr. Meacham is the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, and he is one of our Nation’s most prominent public intellectuals and a sought-after commentator. He is also a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University.

    Since 2009, the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series has attracted Fortune 500 company executives, technology innovators, world-renowned journalists and other influential people to our campus. The appearances of these esteemed guests are made possible by a generous gift from Mr. Letterman, who is a distinguished graduate of our University.

    I am grateful to our colleagues in CCIM—Dean Kristen McCauliff and faculty and staff in the college—for the time, effort, and hospitality they extend to each guest who participates in this lecture series. Because of their hard work and dedication, the series continues to be a success year after year, and our students and the community continue to be inspired by some of the biggest names in the media and communications industries.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

Spring Commencement Set for May 2
Ball State University will confer approximately 2,800 doctoral, specialist, master’s, and baccalaureate degrees at our Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 2. Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. in the Quad, followed by individual college ceremonies throughout the day at Worthen Arena and Emens Auditorium. Times and locations of the college ceremonies are available online.

Contribute, Celebrate Impact, Share Your Story During One Ball State Day 2026 on April 1
This year’s One Ball State Day (OBSD)—Ball State University's annual 24-hour online fundraising event—will take place on April 1. Gifts can be made online between midnight and 11:59 p.m. ET. 

This is an opportunity to celebrate what makes Ball State extraordinary and invest in the students who are shaping our future.

This year’s theme, “Because of Ball State,” reflects the powerful impact the University has on students and alumni. Ball State alumni are educators, business leaders, healthcare professionals, journalists, entrepreneurs, and creatives. They are leading in their communities and making a difference every day. When you ask them how they got there, the answer is often the same: Because of Ball State.

One Ball State Day is about ensuring today’s students have those same opportunities.

Gifts provide scholarships that reduce financial barriers and student debt. They fund hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers. They offer emergency support for students who might otherwise have to pause their education.

One of the most meaningful aspects of One Ball State Day is that you can support what matters most to you—a college, a scholarship fund, athletics, student organizations, or another area close to your heart.

If giving is not possible, you can still make a difference by sharing your “Because of Ball State” story on social media using #OneBallState and #BecauseofBallState and encouraging others to participate.

Learn more and join us at oneballstate.bsu.edu.

Latest Episode of ‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Features Marianne Glick, Indianapolis Philanthropist and Past Ball State Board of Trustees Member
Indianapolis philanthropist Marianne Glick, a past member of Ball State’s Board of Trustees, is the guest on the March 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. 

Ms. Glick, a strong supporter of Ball State, served on the University’s Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2016. She has supported scholarships, the Discovery Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Fund, and the creation of TeenWorks@BSU, a student diversity initiative. Ms. Glick was named an honorary Ball State alumna in 2013. Additionally, she received the 2016 President’s Medal of Distinction and was an Indiana Women of Achievement honoree in 2010. Ms. Glick serves as board chair of the Glick Family Foundation, a charitable initiative of Glick Philanthropies.

A $5 million gift made in 2022 by Ms. Glick and her husband, Mike, has helped advance the development and construction of the Performing Arts Center—a significant part of Ball State’s Village revitalization plan. In recognition of this gift, the University’s Board approved the naming of the Marianne Glick and Mike Woods Lobby. The center is located on the corner of McKinley and University Avenues, and is expected to open this Fall. It is expected that there will be more than 160 University performances at the center annually, drawing more than 35,000 attendees to The Village.

Ball State Transitions Time Tracking to Workday, Starting in April
Workday Time Tracking is scheduled to launch on April 26, 2026. Transitioning time tracking to Workday enables us to operate within a single, fully integrated platform for time, absence, and payroll. This transition improves efficiency and strengthens accuracy by reducing delays, discrepancies, and the risk of duplicate payments. Ultimately, it creates a more streamlined and consistent experience for employees and managers. For more information and training opportunities, visit the Workday website. Questions can be emailed to PeopleandCulture@bsu.edu.

New Award Honors Professional Employees
The inaugural Ball State University Professional Employee Award launches this Spring. This new recognition celebrates professional employees who advance the University’s mission by exemplifying its enduring values through outstanding performance, meaningful collaboration, and continued growth. For nomination criteria and more information, visit the Professional Employee Award webpage. The deadline for submitting nomination materials is May 7, 2026. Questions can be emailed to employeeawards@bsu.edu.

Tuition Remission Available for Eligible Employees, Spouses, and Dependent Children
Ball State provides an excellent Tuition Remission benefit for eligible employees, spouses, and dependent children for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. This valuable benefit promotes higher education learning and significantly reduces the cost to employees and eligible family members. Program guidelines and online application forms can be accessed at Tuition Remission. The online application for Tuition Remission must be completed each semester after registering for classes. The deadline to submit application forms for Summer 2026 classes is 5 p.m. on May 11.

Questions can be emailed to PeopleandCulture@bsu.edu or called in to the Employee Solution Center at 765-285-1834. You can also submit a case at Workday Help. This is a new Workday feature that allows the Division for People and Culture to have a centralized support system within Workday where employees can ask questions and track the progress of their cases. Once you are in Workday, you can submit a case by clicking on the Help button on the home screen. A Case Solver will review and respond to you directly. 

Parking Services Office Relocates Within Student Center
The Parking Services office has moved to Room 250-G—between the ballroom and the Forum Room—of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. The office’s customer service area can be accessed from the main hallway at the east or west end of the student center. Parking Services has been operating at its new location since March 9.

Build Skills and Strengthen the Workforce Through Power Up Indiana
Indiana’s Power Up Indiana initiative—part of the Next Level Jobs Employer Training Grant— and the Workforce Ready Grant make skill development more accessible than ever.

Power Up Indiana provides funding for businesses to train new and current employees, strengthening talent pipelines statewide. Faculty are encouraged to share this opportunity with their industry and community networks.

Through Ball State’s Lifetime Learning, employers can access short-term, high-impact programs in Indiana’s most in-demand fields:

Employers may receive up to $5,000 per employee trained.

Ball State students can also benefit through the Workforce Ready Grant, which covers tuition for select certification programs in high-demand fields such as project management, healthcare technician training, and IT support. These programs prepare students for immediate employment and career advancement in Indiana’s growing industries.

Learn more online about Power Up Indiana and the Workforce Ready Grant.

Rinker Center for Global Affairs’ Team Member Appointed Indiana State Representative for NAFSA
Vanessa Lanning, director of international student success at the Rinker Center for Global Affairs, is the newly appointed Indiana State Representative for NAFSA: Association of International Educators. NAFSA is one of the largest nonprofit associations dedicated to international education and exchange.

In this two-year volunteer leadership role, Ms. Lanning serves as a key liaison between local NAFSA members and regional teams by leading the coordination of the annual state-level meeting, providing critical updates in international education for professional colleagues at Indiana institutions, and fostering a supportive network for international educators across the state.

CHIRPS Week Runs April 13–17
CHIRPS Week—Ball State’s annual celebration of creative works, high impact practices, research projects, and scholarship—runs April 13–17, and will feature various events.

Highlights of the week:

The complete list of this year’s CHIRPS Week events is available online.

Title II ADA New Rule on Digital Accessibility Takes Effect April 24 
Beginning April 24, all digital technologies used in courses must be accessible. All course content delivered through digital platforms, such as Canvas, must also meet accessibility standards. Learn more about the new Title II ADA rule online.

Ball State University faculty can enroll in the Make Your Canvas Course Accessible resource for step-by-step guidance on updating course content to improve accessibility. The Teaching Innovation Team, part of the Division of Online and Strategic Learning, is also available to provide guidance on remediating course materials. Email the team at strategiclrn@bsu.edu or call 765-285-1763.

Construction Management Student Named as Scholarship Recipient
Mariella “Mari” Escobedo, a construction management student in the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, and a native of South Bend, Ind., has been named the S-5! Scholarship recipient for the 2025–26 academic year. This scholarship—offered by S-5!®, a company that specializes in metal roof attachment solutions—supports students pursuing construction-related fields.

Ms. Escobedo was selected for her academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to pursuing a career in the construction industry. Through her studies, she hopes to develop the skills to become a project leader while helping expand opportunities for women in construction. This scholarship—offered by S-5!®, a company that specializes in metal roof attachment solutions—supports students pursuing construction-related fields.

Upcoming ECAP Lecture
Jonah Susskind
April 13 at 4 p.m.
Architecture Building (AB), Room 100
This lecture explores how climate change is reshaping the future of design. Jonah Susskind, director of climate strategy at SWA—an international landscape architecture, urban planning, and design firm—will share insights from his work at the intersection of climate research and design practice. He will also discuss the need to scale up climate action across the profession.

Sales Team of Students Earns National Recognition Across Competitions
Ball State’s Sales Team, comprised of 25 students from across campus, delivered strong performances at some recent national competitions in February.

Across these events, Ball State students demonstrated their ability to compete at the national level and excel, while strengthening their communication skills, professional confidence, and teamwork. The University’s Sales Team student members are primarily Miller College of Business students, majoring or minoring in sales. The team is coached by five Ball State faculty members and one professional staff member. Each semester, student coaches help prepare the team for competition.

CCIM to Welcome Middle- and High-School Students, Teachers for Annual Conference
Middle and high school students and teachers will gather on Ball State’s campus for the College of Communication, Information, and Media’s JDAY+, a journalism, media, and communications conference, on April 24. The conference will offer interactive sessions led by several of the event’s featured speakers—including Jeremiah Johnson, Indiana Pacers’ pre- and post-game host; Steve Rhodes, a WTHR videographer and producer; Rachel Green, Indianapolis Zoo’s brand strategy director; and others. Winners of the 2026 middle- and high-school student media contests will be announced after the keynote speaker’s address in Emens Auditorium. Middle- and high-school students and teachers interested in attending the conference can register online. Registration closes April 10.

Faculty and Student Accolades

Nursing Student Earns Nomination for Special Honor
School of Nursing student Aleyah Arnett has been nominated by a patient for a DAISY Award® during her clinical rotation. The DAISY Award is a special honor given to extraordinary nurses for the compassionate contributions they make every day, going above and beyond expectations in science and sensitivity. Any licensed, registered nurse, nursing faculty, or nursing student is eligible to be nominated for this honor.

The patient who nominated Ms. Arnett noted that Ms. Arnett calmed her, showed kindness, was gentle during the blood draw, and led the patient to and from her chair without a hassle. 

Learn more about the DAISY Award and the recipient selection process online.

English Professor’s Latest Memoir Published in March
The Heart Folds Early—the latest memoir by Jill Christman, professor of English—was published in March 2026 as part of the University of Nebraska Press American Lives Series. Professor Chrisman is a 2020 National Endowment for the Arts Prose Fellow. Her latest work elevates the landscape of creative nonfiction, joining Professor Christman’s body of writing that has earned national recognition and strong reader connection. Additionally, her work blends deeply personal storytelling with thoughtful insight and openness, reminding readers that every story carries the potential to resonate and transform.

April 11 Event Offers Hands-On Science Experiences, Fun
Science Day, hosted by the Ball State Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, is scheduled for April 11 at the Foundational Sciences Building. This annual outreach event invites families and community members to explore the fun side of chemistry through hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiments. Science Day is designed for curious minds of all ages and offers a lively opportunity to experience chemistry in action. Students and faculty from the Department of Chemistry will guide visitors through exciting activities such as making the classic elephant toothpaste reaction, experimenting with pipettes, squashing fruit with pressure demonstrations, and discovering the surprising science behind everyday materials. The elephant toothpaste reaction is a safe, popular chemistry demonstration that ends with a dramatic eruption of foam.

New Online Mathematics Courses Launch in Summer 2026
Ball State is developing five online, asynchronous mathematics professional development courses for the Indiana Department of Education. Aligned with the 2023 Indiana Academic Standards for Mathematics, the courses focus on evidence-based, high-impact instructional practices that teachers can immediately implement in K–8 classrooms. The courses will launch in Summer 2026 and will be available at no cost through the Indiana Learning Lab.

The project is led by Mike Steele, chair of the Department of Educational Studies, and Jerry Woodward, associate professor of mathematical sciences, and is supported by 12 mathematics education faculty members. It is the first awarded initiative of the Ball State STEM Education Center, which is directed by Dr. Andrew Gatza.

Teachers College Hosts ‘Stuffie Clinic’ at Children’s Museum
Teachers College (TC) Child Life students hosted a “Stuffie Clinic” at Muncie Children’s Museum on Feb. 21. At the event, TC students guided children in caring for stuffed animals that represented medical patients. Through hands-on exploration of real medical tools, children built confidence and coping skills, while TC students gained valuable experiential learning experience and strengthened community connections.

Indiana Academy Faculty Earn Prestigious Fellowships
Two faculty members from the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities received Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowships from Lilly Endowment Inc. Chris Buczek, an associate lecturer of chemistry, will examine the historical roots of chemistry in Europe. Dain Kavars, executive director of the academy, will explore how minor league baseball fosters community, engagement, and inspiration to inform educational leadership and practice.

Emily Esfahani Smith, Author of bestselling book The Power of Meaning, Speaks at Ball State April 14
The Center for Economic and Civic Learning will host a public talk by author Emily Esfahani Smith from 7–8:30 p.m. on April 14 at Emens Auditorium, in the Ball Brothers Foundation Hospitality Suite. Ms. Smith, author of the bestselling book The Power of Meaning, will discuss how people can build more meaningful lives through belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence. Following her remarks will be a Q&A session with the audience. The event is free, but registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Learn more online.

Friends of Bracken Library Dinner and Kirkham Lecture Set for April 28
The annual Friends of Bracken Library dinner, with the Kirkham Lecture, is being held 6–8 p.m. on April 28 at L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Cardinal Halls. The event includes a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, live music, and opportunities to view many of University Libraries’ treasures. See mini-exhibits showcasing historical artifacts, current University Libraries projects, and more. The Kirkham Lecture will feature historian Andy Olson discussing The Kilgore Pact Legend and the 1818 St. Marys Treaties. Reserve a seat by registering online.

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