November 25, 2025

     I am grateful to the College of Fine Arts students and faculty involved in the Saturday Children’s Art Classes.

    This year, 23 art education majors from the College of Fine Arts served for seven weeks as student teachers to more than 140 young artists of various ages on Saturday mornings. Dr. Michael Prater, associate professor of art education in the college’s School of Art, coordinated the program.

    The student teachers’ lessons emphasized creative expression and critical thinking, while making each Saturday morning class a fun and engaging experience. The session concluded with a final celebration and exhibition of the children’s artwork that I attended on November 8.

    Saturday Children’s Art Classes are a long-standing Ball State tradition, held annually for more than 50 years—including remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    I am grateful that these art education students and Dr. Prater shared their time and talents with children in our community, continuing that tradition and reflecting Ball State’s long-standing commitment to community engagement. Their generosity reminds us that the most meaningful gifts are not always wrapped in decorative paper and adorned with bows.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

Fall Commencement Scheduled for Dec. 13 in Worthen Arena

Ball State University’s Fall Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in Worthen Arena. There will be one ceremony that recognizes all graduates. Worthen Arena will open at 9 a.m. The ceremony is not ticketed, so graduates may invite as many guests as they would like. Fall Commencement will be livestreamed on the event webpage. A window to view the livestream will appear on that webpage on the day of the ceremony. Those interested in serving as an ambassador at Commencement should email Sarah Justus, presidential events and commencement coordinator, at sarah.justus@bsu.edu by Dec. 3.

Annual MLK Jr. Breakfast Set for Jan. 19

The 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. on Jan. 19 at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center’s Cardinal Hall. The Breakfast is free and open to everyone. Registration is not required to attend. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

The keynote speaker at this event will be the Rev. Bishop Dr. William Keith O’Neal, lead and founding pastor of Destiny Christian International in Muncie. Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns will give welcoming remarks.

Co-sponsoring the 2026 Breakfast are Ball State University and Concerned Clergy of Muncie.

The Breakfast typically kicks off Unity Week, an annual week of educational and social events at Ball State that celebrate culture. Check the Unity Week webpage of the Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center for Unity Week’s schedule and details as the celebratory week in January approaches. 

Early Closure on Nov. 26 Planned

As an expression of gratitude to employees who remain on the job up until the start of the Thanksgiving holiday break, Ball State is offering an early closure on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with payment for the full shift provided, contingent on the criteria outlined in this Ball State email. All professional, staff, and service employees working this day may leave four hours early and still be paid for the full shift. Employees not scheduled to work this day, as well as those who have chosen to take the full day off, are ineligible.

Reminder: 2025 Days of Beneficence—Dec. 26, 29, 30, 31, and Jan. 2

Once again, Ball State University is providing its employees with Days of Beneficence—a meaningful gesture of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of faculty and staff. Our 2025 Days of Beneficence will occur on Friday, Dec. 26; Monday, Dec. 29; Tuesday, Dec. 30; Wednesday, Dec. 31; and Friday, Jan. 2.

On Tuesday, Dec. 23, the campus closes at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, is a president’s holiday. Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, are observed holidays. For additional information, the University’s official holiday calendar is available online (click the “holiday” tab) along with the 2025-2026 holiday memo.

Since launching Destination 2040: Our Flight Path in 2019, our University has made significant progress toward five long-term institutional goals. After a year-long, consultative process involving thousands of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members, we have updated and extended this plan through 2030. This next iteration—Strategic Plan 2025-2030—reaffirms our core goals while introducing new imperatives that reflect evolving priorities, such as purpose exploration, relationship-rich learning, and the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence.

Since August, Together We Fly has put the spotlight on one goal in each issue. This month, we highlight Goal 4: Scholarship and Societal Impact. As a public research institution, Ball State recruits, retains, and supports outstanding faculty and staff who engage in scholarship that enhances pedagogy and curriculum, attracts external resources, and improves the lives of people in our communities and beyond.

By 2030, our University will expand the reach of faculty and staff research, creative activity, and professional practice—from peer-reviewed publications and funded projects to creative works that enrich quality of life. These activities will continue to connect our academic expertise with the vibrancy of Muncie and East Central Indiana in ways that can be replicated and shared across the world.

The updated plan also deepens how we integrate scholarship with teaching and learning: through faculty-led discovery, innovation in the classroom, and creative endeavors that shape culture and society. These initiatives are grounded in our belief that Ball State’s role as a public research institution is to generate knowledge, foster creativity, and ensure that our work has a meaningful impact on students and communities alike.

Latest Episode of ‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Features Ball State University Foundation Board Member and Ball State Graduate, Dr. Keith Robinson

Dr. Keith Robinson, ’95, is the guest on the November 2025 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. 

Dr. Robinson is a member of the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors and the Teachers College Advisory Council.

He has dedicated his professional career to informing and inspiring his students, first as a teacher and now as an administrator. In his current role, Dr. Robinson serves as the associate principal of educational services for Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Ill. Additionally, he is the first Black trustee elected in the Village of Skokie in Illinois.

A native of Gary, Ind., Dr. Robinson earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from the College of Sciences and Humanities, followed by his master's in education administration and supervision from Roosevelt University and his doctorate in educational leadership from National Louis University.

What’s Happening on the TELUS Health One Platform?

Dive into TELUS Health One’s platform and mobile app to discover personalized tools, expert guidance, and practical resources designed to help you make positive changes and access Ball State’s Employee Assistance Program.

Download the app to feel supported and connected wherever you are.

Tuition Remission Available for Eligible Employees, Their Spouses, and Dependent Children

Ball State supports employee professional development with an excellent tuition remission benefit for eligible employees, their spouses, and their dependent children. A request for tuition remission must be completed every semester after registering for classes. The online request form is available via the ServiceNow system and can be accessed through the PEB website. The deadline to submit requests for tuition remission for Spring 2026 classes is 5 p.m. on Jan. 5. Review the eligibility guidelines and instructions. Questions can be sent to PeopleandCulture@bsu.edu or call 765-285-1834.

Continuing Our Engagement Journey: Year 3 Ahead

Thank you to everyone who participated in Ball State’s Employee Engagement Survey over the past two years. Your feedback has helped us understand what’s working well and where we can continue to grow together.

Through your input, many teams have made meaningful progress—strengthening communication, recognition, and collaboration. For instance, several areas have utilized Gallup CliftonStrengths® training, allowing teams to recognize and build on their unique talents, deepen connections, and work strategically together. These efforts reflect the positive impact of listening and acting on employee feedback.

Now, as we prepare for Year 3 of the Engagement Survey in February 2026, our focus is on building momentum. We encourage all teams to revisit their action plans, celebrate what’s been achieved, and continue conversations that move engagement forward.

Together, we are continuing to shape a workplace where every employee feels heard, valued, and connected to Ball State’s mission and values.

Ball State Hires Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer

Michael G. Fowler will serve as Ball State University’s next vice president for business affairs and treasurer, effective Jan. 5, 2026. 

Mr. Fowler joins Ball State after more than a decade of leadership at Indiana University Bloomington, where he has served in multiple senior financial roles. Presently, he serves as the assistant dean of finance and administration in the College of Arts and Sciences, which comprises more than 1,500 faculty and staff and includes more than 60 facilities. He also served as assistant vice provost for finance and budget, supporting campus-wide financial planning and modeling.

In these roles, Mr. Fowler designed and implemented internal budget models aligning financial resources with academic and research priorities, advanced forecasting tools to meet financial and enrollment management needs, and co-chaired the Big Ten Liberal Arts Finance Group. His peers and supervisors have consistently praised his thoughtful, strategic approach to resource allocation and his ability to build collaborative, cohesive teams.

Read more in this Ball State press release.

Apply for the 2026 Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026–27 program year of The Indiana Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM), which is offered by Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs in partnership with the University’s Lifetime Learning. CPM is a nationally accredited leadership development program for government and non-profit professionals. Apply online.

Through interactive learning and applied projects, CPM program participants strengthen their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges in public service. Graduates earn the nationally recognized Certified Public Manager® designation, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and professional growth.

Cohort dates are posted in Fishers, Fort Wayne, and Valparaiso. Choose the location that best fits your schedule to advance your career goals. Participants complete a comprehensive 300-hour curriculum grounded in proven public management theories and best practices.

After submitting an application, a Career Success Coach will provide details about registration, payment options, and employer commitment forms. For more information, contact lifetimelearning@bsu.edu.

Ball State Campus Community has Access to AI Options, Tools

The Office of Information Technology wants to ensure the Ball State University campus community has the resources to explore AI (artificial intelligence) technology and understands what the future with AI may look like. To that end, Ball State students, faculty, and staff have many AI tools they can use for free, plus additional tools that can be purchased with a yearly subscription. These AI resources include specialized software, tools integrated with University systems, and exclusive features tailored to the Ball State community—options can be found on Ball State’s AI Tools webpage. Explore more Ball State AI tools, training, resources, and information by visiting bsu.edu/ai.

Provost Immersive Learning Fall 2025 Grant Awardees Announced

The Immersive Learning (IL) Grant Review Committee selected the following projects for funding:

Recipients will use the grants to enhance their IL courses.

Ball State is Now a Member of the National Student Exchange

The National Student Exchange (NSE) offers accessible and affordable domestic study-away experiences, connecting students to more than 170 campuses across the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories while maintaining their regular Ball State enrollment and tuition. Through NSE, Cardinals discover new regions and perspectives, proving that transformational experiences don’t require crossing oceans to have a world of impact.

In its first year, Ball State ranked among the top five campuses for priority placements. During 2025–26, 25 Ball State students are studying at various locations, including the University of the Virgin Islands-St. Croix, Florida A&M University, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the University of Montreal, UMass Amherst, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Accepting Nominations for 2026 Community Partner Award

Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement is accepting nominations for the 2026 Community Partner Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize an Indiana* business, organization, school, or agency that has demonstrated excellence in their contributions as a community partner with Ball State University during the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and/or Spring 2025 terms.

The award recipient will receive $500 and will be honored publicly at the Immersive Learning Showcase on April 13, 2026. The nomination form is available online. Nominations may be submitted by Ball State faculty, staff, or students only. The deadline for submission is Dec.12, 2025.

Nominees must have partnered with Ball State faculty, staff, and students between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025, as part of one of the following community-based learning experiences:

Questions can be directed to Kelli Huth, associate vice president for community engagement.

* Priority consideration will be given to East Central Indiana counties, which include Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, Rush, and Wayne.

Fall Leaf Raking Event Attracts 57 Student Participants

Student Voluntary Services (SVS) partnered with LifeStream for this year’s annual Fall Leaf Raking event on Nov. 1. LifeStream and SVS raked 32 community members' yards. A total of 57 students participated across four shifts. Notably, the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) had the highest participation among student organizations, with more than 20 members volunteering. 

DOSL Holds Commencement Celebration for Online Graduate Students 

The Division of Online and Strategic Learning (DOSL) and the Graduate School will host a Commencement Celebration for online graduate students from 8-9:30 a.m. on Dec. 13, in the lobby of the David Letterman Communication and Media Building. 

The event will recognize the academic achievements of online graduate students and offer them an opportunity to connect with peers and faculty beyond the virtual classroom. Festivities will include refreshments, mortarboard decorating, a selfie and TikTok booth, and chair massages. 

To register for the event, contact Michelle Carr at michelle.carr@bsu.edu.

Top Three Designs Selected in Student Competition for Reimagining Key Village Redevelopment Site

This Fall, the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (ECAP) organized a student design competition for the plaza, which sits on the former site of a bank branch and rental office. Community feedback and faculty input helped determine five finalists, who presented their concepts to a jury on Nov. 7. Awards were given to the top three submissions:

The competition drew 52 team submissions, each reviewed by ECAP faculty and staff. The top designs, unveiled at the Oct. 2 First Thursday ArtsWalk in ECAP’s downtown design center, align with the revitalization plan’s overarching goal: to create a best-in-class, multigenerational district shaped by arts, culture, entertainment, and innovation through robust public-private partnerships.

Elements from multiple designs may be incorporated into the final plaza plans, which will be developed by a professional design team. Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026. All of the submitted designs can be viewed online.

Bryan Dean Forum Set for Feb. 4

The Bryan Dean Forum, featuring Jim Schacht, vice president of corporate responsibility at Cummins, Inc., and CEO of the Cummins Foundation, Inc., is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 in the Whitinger Building, Room 144. He will present “How Companies Can Be a Force for Good.” A reception will follow the lecture. Mr. Schacht previously served as executive director of Cummins Community Relations and Corporate Giving for North America, and led the launch of Cummins Water Works, the company’s global initiative promoting sustainable water solutions.

‘Still Drinking From a Firehose: Teaching With AI 2025 Edition’ Presentation Given

Faculty from Ball State’s Management and Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) departments presented “Still Drinking From a Firehose: Teaching With AI 2025 Edition” at the Midwest Academy of Management conference in Cleveland.

Carla Flores, senior lecturer of management; Imran Syed, associate professor of management; Cindi Kiner, assistant lecturer of management; and Fred Kitchens, associate professor of information systems and operations management, shared classroom applications of tools like ChatGPT—including gamified role plays, simulations, and assignments that model responsible AI use. The session emphasized practical, low-cost ways to leverage AI as a teaching partner and prepare students for AI-driven workplaces.

Miller College Student Earns Top Honor at Selling Competition

Student Cory Shaw earned the highest individual score and the Most Valuable Player award at the recent Indiana University Selling Competition. As team captain, Cory Shaw demonstrated exceptional leadership and preparation, exemplifying the excellence of Miller College’s sales program.

SJSC Honors Award Winners at Annual Luncheon

The College of Communications, Information, and Media’s School of Journalism and Strategic Communication (SJSC) welcomed award winners and alumni to campus in early November for SJSC’s annual National Writing Awards Luncheon. Winners were recognized for their exceptional talent and contribution to the field of journalism—from photography and design to scholastic endeavors.

This year’s National Journalism Writing Award went to Jeff Seidel from the Detroit Free Press. Jeffrey Furticella from the New York Times and Johnny Smith Jr. from Roche Diagnostics were also honored with Outstanding Alumni Awards. This year’s Young Alumni Award winners were Leigh-Ann Richardville and Tyson Bird.

Other honorees include:

Graphic Design Students Earn 2nd Place in Regional Competition

Seven graphic design students recently competed in Design It Forward, an annual regional event held in Clarksville, Tenn. In this event, students create branding for a nonprofit client. This year’s challenge for 3 Friends Animal Rescue tasked teams with developing a logo and informational rack card. After seven hours of design, Ball State students Alyssa Vena, Adriana Trimpe, and Mallory Tucker earned second place among 27 teams. Other participants included students Kylar Bolinger, Mya Colglazier, Tori Kinnard, and Stan Stuckey.

Presentations, Performances, Premieres, and Visiting Artist

Conference Presentations and Wellness Classes   

Komanapalli Family Gift Advances Cardiovascular Research at Ball State

A generous contribution from the Komanapalli Family is propelling new cardiovascular research at Dr. Bikram Sharma’s lab in the Department of Biology in the College of Sciences and Humanities (CSH). Dr. Sharma’s lab researches the roots of cardiovascular disease, and this support will fund faculty and student projects that explore heart health and disease prevention, strengthening Ball State’s capacity for innovative, interdisciplinary science.

The gift provides resources for laboratory equipment, collaborative studies, and undergraduate and graduate research opportunities—ensuring that faculty can pursue ambitious work while mentoring the next generation of scientists. It also positions Ball State to attract competitive grants and partnerships that expand the University’s impact in biomedical and health sciences.

By supporting cardiovascular research, the Komanapalli Family is helping advance discoveries that address one of today’s most critical public health challenges while providing lasting benefits to the University’s teaching and research mission. Read more in this CSH blog.  

Award, Grant, and a Student Teaching Fair

Shopping Magic and Faculty Book Club

Holiday Shopping Magic in Muncie

6-7 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the Alumni Center

Free and open to the public

This program explores the history and experiences of holiday shopping in Muncie (nicknamed the “Magic City”) through the combined resources of Ball State University Libraries, Delaware County Historical Society, and the Muncie Public Library. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Register online, under the "History, Science, & Health" category.

University Libraries Faculty Book Club: Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Education

1-2:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 at Bracken Library, Room 104

University Libraries invites faculty to join a thought-provoking book club focused on the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for higher education. At this event, the group will explore a series of books that range from alarmist to optimistic, speculative to practical—each selected to spark reflection, discussion, and dialogue about the role of AI in our personal and professional lives. Learn more about the book club online.

This event is a part of the AI Explorers Faculty Professional Development Program. Participation in the program results in a $250 Recognized Incentive Activity (RIA) account deposit. Learn more about this development program online.

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