February 27, 2026
Dear Colleagues:
I write to share a few highlights from today’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.
The Board took another step forward in implementing our University’s transformational plan to revitalize The Village by approving the budget, scope, and site plan for Village Green, which will become a central public plaza in The Village.
Village Green, located at the corner of Martin Street and University Avenue, will provide a welcoming gathering space that creates a strong connection between the campus and the community. The space will establish Village Green as another catalytic destination.
To strengthen the connection between Village Green and our campus, the one-block segment of Martin Street, located just south of the Alderdice Gates, will be transformed into a “shared street," featuring wider sidewalks, landscape improvements, and new lighting. This pedestrian-friendly section of Martin Street includes the entrance to our new Center for Innovation and Collaboration. When necessary, we will be able to close the entire street to vehicles for special events.
Funding for Village Green comes primarily from the $35 million grant that the University received in December 2023 from the Lilly Endowment’s College and Community Collaboration initiative. Construction on Village Green is anticipated to begin this Fall, with the project to be completed by Summer 2027.
At the meeting, the Board also received a presentation from Dean Scott Rutledge about our College of Health. Dean Rutledge shared recent achievements, including enrollment growth in nearly every academic program and an expansion of services provided by the college’s Interprofessional Community Clinics. The college is also proposing a new interdisciplinary bachelor of science degree in health professions, which would prepare students for diverse careers across the healthcare spectrum.
Finally, the Board received a presentation from some of the students who participated in Ball State Dance Marathon (BSUDM). At this year’s event, which was held on February 7, the student organization revealed that more than $281,000 had been raised during its 2026 fundraising cycle to benefit patients of Riley Hospital for Children.
BSUDM works to fund two specific aspects of Riley’s operations—funding for the palliative care team and funding for the hospital’s Magic Castle Cart, which provides gifts to patients and their family members during their stay at Riley.
The money raised over the past year counts towards the millions of dollars that our students have raised on Riley’s behalf since BSUDM began in 2003. I am grateful to all of our students who dedicate their time, talent, and effort for such a worthy cause. And I appreciate all of our advisors whose commitment to our students allows them to make this innovative philanthropy possible each year.
It is a privilege to serve with you, and I am grateful for your encouragement and support.
