December 13, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

     I write to share a few highlights from today’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.

     The Board approved my recommendation to name our Multicultural Center the Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall, Jr. Multicultural Center, in recognition of the extraordinary impact these two remarkable people had on our campus and our community.

     In the 1950s, Ms. Conley was instrumental in helping to desegregate Tuhey Pool. As the longtime education coordinator for Trinity United Methodist Church, she directed more than 150 students to college, including many to Ball State. While attending Ball State herself, Ms. Conley founded the Nontraditional Student Association. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in gerontology. Today, our University awards a scholarship in her name to honor non-traditional students who are committed to bettering their communities. 

     Mr. Hurley was a local trailblazer who became the first Black person to serve on the Muncie Fire Department and on the school board of Muncie Community Schools. For 14 years, he served as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, where he founded the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. In his retirement, he became a public historian and a visiting scholar for our University’s Center for Middletown Studies. He received an honorary degree and the President’s Medal of Distinction from our University. Today, an award in his name is given to faculty and staff who assist the Multicultural Center in the development of our students.  

     Ms. Conley and Mr. Hurley embodied our University’s enduring values of courage, inclusiveness, social responsibility, excellence, and gratitude. Their lives reflect the mission of our Multicultural Center. By naming the building in their honor, we have found a permanent way to celebrate their servant leadership and their lifelong dedication to our University.

     Also during the meeting, the Board received several presentations, including:

      Finally, the Board approved my recommendation to award an honorary doctor of laws degree to Governor Eric Holcomb in recognition of his work serving Hoosiers during his two terms as Indiana governor, as well as his commitment to education, civic engagement, and economic development on behalf of our state.

     I look forward to awarding the Governor this honor at tomorrow’s Commencement ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m. in Worthen Arena. The Governor will be joined onstage by his wife, First Lady Janet Holcomb, who will serve as our Commencement speaker. As a two-time graduate of our University, the First Lady is an inspiring role model for our graduates, and I look forward to hearing the remarks that she will share during our celebration of the Class of 2024.

     During the ceremony, our University will recognize more than 1,150 candidates for doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees. I am proud of the academic accomplishments of our graduating students, and I hope you will join me in honoring them by attending the ceremony in person.

     At the end of the Board meeting, I made a few comments. I encourage you to read my remarks.

     It is a privilege to serve with you, and I am grateful for your encouragement and support.

     I hope you have a safe and festive holiday season with your family and friends.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University