January 30, 2025

     As we prepare to distribute our 2025 Employee Engagement Survey on February 10, I want to express my gratitude to our colleagues in the Office of Engagement, Wellbeing, and Culture, who are leading this initiative—and who are implementing new programs that are inspired by the results of the first survey distributed last year.

     The efforts of Rhonda Wilson, Executive Director of Engagement, Wellbeing, and Culture; Jenni Flanagan, Assistant Director of Engagement, Wellbeing, and Culture; and Charity Coffman, Assistant Director of Learning and Development, underscore the University’s commitment to making our University an even better place to work.

     Additionally, I appreciate the many meaningful conversations that occurred between our employees and their supervisors following the distribution of our 2024 Employee Engagement Survey. These conversations—paired with results from last year’s survey—have informed key aspects of our work as it relates to employee engagement and overall satisfaction.

     Our 2025 Employee Engagement Survey will specifically focus on employee workplace needs. You can find more information in the first story of this newsletter.

     Your participation in this survey is voluntary, but your response is important. Together, we can ensure that Ball State is a place we all look forward to every day.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

Be Heard; Participate in Ball State’s Brief, Confidential Survey
With the goal of improving the employee experience at Ball State, employees are encouraged to share their insights in a brief, confidential survey conducted by Gallup, an independent, research-based consulting company. One key focus of the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey will be employee workplace needs. Your responses help supervisors identify areas where we can support you better and enhance the overall team experience.

On Feb. 10, each employee will receive an email containing a personalized link to the survey—which should take about 15 minutes to complete. That email will come from support@mail.gallup.com. Survey responses will be presented as part of an aggregate of all other responses and will not be connected to, or used to identify, a specific employee. Information about employee engagement and the survey is available on this Ball State webpage.

Participation in this survey is voluntary, but employee responses are important to Ball State’s culture-building efforts. We all play a role in making this the best place to build a fulfilling career.

Latest Episode of ‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Features Brandon Allmon-Jackson—New York-based Assistant Stage Manager and Ball State Graduate

Ball State graduate and New York-based assistant stage manager Brandon Allmon-Jackson, ’12, is the guest on the January 2025 episode of the monthly podcast “Our Call to Beneficence,” hosted by Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. This episode is available now. All episodes of the “Our Call to Beneficence” podcast are available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mr. Allmon-Jackson is passionate about social justice issues and supporting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. He's collaborated with organizations such as Broadway & Beyond Access and Black Theatre United to provide more opportunities for artists of color in the industry. Mr. Allmon-Jackson earned a bachelor of arts degree in theatre production from the College of Fine Arts. He was the keynote speaker for Ball State’s Unity Week 2025.

December 2024 Episode of ‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Features Hope Churchill, Student Representative on Ball State Board of Trustees

Hope Churchill, the student representative on the Ball State University Board of Trustees, was the guest on the December 2024 episode of “Our Call to Beneficence.” 

Appointed by former Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb in 2023, Ms. Churchill, a Lake Village, Ind., native, is serving a two-year appointment to the Board through 2025. She is a business administration major pursuing minors in communication studies and human resource management. As a Ball State student, Ms. Churchill has participated in numerous organizations, including as chapter president for Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional business fraternity; Chi Alpha, a campus Christian club; and the Ball State tennis club.

Learn About Ball State’s Council on Inclusiveness and Key Resources

In our Fall 2024 Opening Convocation, President Mearns announced the creation of the Council on Inclusiveness, a committee whose charge includes reviewing policies and making recommendations on issues related to cultural and intellectual diversity on campus. The Council has worked over the last several months to create a website that provides resources and guidelines to the campus community. The website highlights key principles of the Freedom of Expression policy and Ball State’s definition of Academic Freedom as stated in the Bill of Rights, and pursuant to our obligations under Indiana Code 21-39.5.

This website includes an FAQ to assist in answering questions about how we are meeting our obligations of Indiana Public Law 113, as well as processes for annual, promotion and contract renewal, and five-year review requirements that can be found in our handbook. It also provides a host of robust and comprehensive resources, including toolkits, workshops, and offices, for fostering intellectual diversity principles through instructional pedagogical techniques.

Lifetime Learning Winter 2025 Catalog is Available

Lifetime Learning by Ball State's non-credit programs can help learners reach their next goal, whether it is to expand skillsets to upgrade a resume or to stand out in an interview. And you can learn on your schedule. The latest course catalog can be downloaded from the Lifetime Learning website.

From skills training courses such as Identity Leadership by Stedman Graham and Data Analysis: Statistics Fundamentals to non-credit credentials that articulate to credit—such as Registered Behavior Technician and CompTIA A+ certifications—there’s something for every stage of the educational or career journey. Learners can also take advantage of available test preparation opportunities, including LSAT®—which moved online this month—LPC/LCPC, GRE, English Language Test Prep, and more. In-person community ESL eight-week sessions start Jan. 14 in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Northern Kentucky. 

Email lifetimelearning@bsu.edu with questions.

Explore Inclusiveness at the Free 2025 Provost’s Summit

Registration is open for the 2025 Provost’s Summit: Fostering Inclusiveness in an Evolving Educational Landscape—a free, two-day virtual event to be held on Feb. 6-7, 2025, via Zoom. The event will showcase the inclusive work of Ball State faculty, staff, students, and other institutions. Dr. Tracie Marcella Addy and Dr. Sandra Miles will be the keynote speakers. 

The Division of Online and Strategic Learning, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs will host the summit. To learn more about the event and register, visit the provost’s summit landing page.

Six Ball State Programs Earn Top 25 Rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 ‘Best Online Programs’

Six Ball State University online programs have been ranked in the top 25 in the nation in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Online Programs” listings. 

Ball State's nationally recognized programs include:

Ball State also achieved top-tier specialty rankings, including No. 7 for Master’s in Curriculum and Educational Technology, No. 11 for Master’s in Special Education, and No. 13 for Graduate Educational Administration and Supervision, which is a new entry this year. Ball State’s graduate programs in education for veterans, meanwhile, ranked 24th nationally.

Read more in this Ball State press release.

Claim Your Wellbeing Incentives

Ball State employees are encouraged to participate in the LiveWell program and the BeWell program—both of which can be helpful in gaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The LiveWell program provides Ball State vouchers for participation in various well-being activities. Vouchers include:

The BeWell program provides cash back in Ball State employees’ December 2025 paycheck just for completing their annual physical with their primary care doctor and registering in Telus Health. This incentive is for active benefit-eligible employees who are enrolled and have Ball State insurance as their primary health insurance.

Participation in the LiveWell and BeWell programs is allowed every year. Documentation for this year’s incentive can be submitted until Oct. 31, 2025. For more information and accessibility to forms, visit the Working Well website.

Ball State Names Multicultural Center in Honor of Civil Rights Icons Vivian Conley and Hurley Goodall

Ball State University’s Board of Trustees on Dec. 13 approved the naming of the University’s Multicultural Center the Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center, in honor of two local civil rights icons.

Ms. Conley and Mr. Goodall each made significant contributions to the University and the broader Muncie community, leaving legacies of education, advocacy, and service that continue to inspire.

An advocate for education and social justice, Ms. Conley earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Ball State in 1988 at the age of 66, followed by a master’s degree in gerontology. She passed away in 1993 at age 71.

Mr. Goodall, a trailblazer in civil rights and public service, received the Ball State President’s Medal of Distinction in 1992 and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in 2007. A seven-term Indiana state legislator, he passed away in 2021 at age 93. 

Read more in this Ball State press release.

Three Ball State Leaders Honored by Governor with Sagamore of the Wabash Awards

Three prominent leaders from Ball State University—Rick Hall, chair of the Board of Trustees; Mike McDaniel, board secretary; and President Geoffrey S. Mearns—this month were awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors, by former Gov. Eric J. Holcomb.

The Sagamore of the Wabash, created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates (1945–49), recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the state or significant contributions to its heritage. Recipients have included astronauts, educators, artists, and public servants who exemplify Hoosier values.

Read more in this Ball State press release.

New Faculty Professional Development Series Planned for Spring 2025

The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs launched two faculty professional development series of workshops and presentations designed to support and enhance faculty skills related to teaching, cultural and intellectual diversity, scholarship, leadership, and career advancement. The series will have 16 programs led by Ball State faculty. Many of the programs will be offered twice as separate in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate faculty preferences and schedules.

The two series are:

Space is limited. Register now to reserve a spot in the Spring 2025 programs.

Rinker Center Staffer Helps International Students at Ball State

Jonathan Hooker, international student success coach, has made a significant positive impact on more than 100 international students in less than 12 months since his arrival at Ball State. He created the International Student Wish List on Amazon to help students obtain necessities such as bedding, pots, pans, pillows, and Winter clothes. Mr. Hooker also organizes monthly trips to international markets in Indianapolis to help students find ingredients that are scarce in Muncie for a little taste of home. If you know an international student who needs support, please encourage them to visit Mr. Hooker in the Rinker Center. The Rinker Center is still accepting Wish List purchases.

Student Affairs Program Directory: A Valuable Resource For Helping Students

Faculty and staff have another resource for directing students in need. With the Student Affairs Program Directory, Ball State employees can familiarize themselves with what assistance is offered through the Office of Student Affairs. In addition to being available online, the directory can be accessed through MyBallState by searching “student affairs directory“ in the environment.

New Partnership Will Result in Grant Consulting Services for Faculty

Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) has unveiled a partnership with Hanover Research for the 2025 calendar year to provide grant consulting services to all Ball State faculty members.

SPA aims to equip faculty with the necessary tools to secure funding that aligns with the strategic goals established at the University, college, and department levels. This collaboration will enhance grant-seeking capabilities across campus—helping to identify and evaluate opportunities while providing support throughout the pre-proposal and proposal stages, including proposal development. Their assistance will encompass individual grants, training grants, funding proposals for various programs, and project-specific support for researchers.

More information on this resource and how to use it is available online (under the Outreach and Education tab). Questions may be emailed to Stephanie Roof, associate director of strategic initiatives, at slroof@bsu.edu.

Registration Opens Feb. 1 for Student Symposium: Poster and Oral Presentations

The Student Symposium challenges students to present a creative or scholarly exhibition or oral presentation while competing for scholarship awards and gaining valuable presentation skills.

Ball State students from all disciplines are invited to participate—solo or within a group of up to four. All entries require the support of a faculty mentor. Registration will be open Feb.1-March 15 for the Student Symposium and the Oral Presentations Day.

Visit the Student Symposium website to learn more and explore the 2024 winning projects. Email questions to stusymposium@bsu.edu.

Mike Uremovich named as Cardinals’ New Head Football Coach

Ball State Athletics welcomes Mike Uremovich to the Cardinals’ football program. The University announced his hiring as head coach on Dec. 4. Coach Uremovich has nearly 30 years of coaching experience, most recently spending three seasons as Butler University's head coach. He said his vision for Ball State’s football program will center around championship effort, attitude, and accountability. Read more in this Ball State Athletics press release.

Early Bird Pricing Available for Ball State’s 2025 Football Season

Season tickets for the upcoming 2025 Ball State football season are on sale now at an exclusive early bird price. Learn more online.

Four Deans Co-Author Opinion Column for Indiana Business Journal

Teachers College Dean Dr. Katrina Bulkley co-authored an Indiana Business Journal opinion column about the University Superintendent Search Team.

Dr. Bulkley co-authored the column, published on Jan. 10, with  Dr. Brad Balch, dean of Indiana State University’s Bayh College of Education; Anastasia Morrone, dean and professor in the Indiana University School of Education at Bloomington; and Phillip VanFossen, dean of Purdue University’s Beering Hall of Liberal Arts and Education in West Lafayette.

Composed of faculty from Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University, and Purdue University, the University Search Team is committed to supporting school boards across Indiana in the recruitment and selection of superintendents. The team works closely with districts to assess local needs, build a diverse pool of candidates, and guide school boards through every stage of the hiring process, from candidate evaluation to ensuring legal and procedural compliance.

Awards and Honors

Upcoming Lectures

Learn more online about ECAP’s upcoming events.

Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture Series Occurring This Spring

Provocative entrepreneurs will share their experiences during a speaker series offered by the Entrepreneurship Center this Spring. The center hosts entrepreneurs from all walks of life who are changing the world economically and socially. Each lecture includes a presentation on the entrepreneur’s story, lessons learned, and advice. The remaining lectures are scheduled for 11 a.m. at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom. Learn more about the speakers and the lecture dates online.

Varsity Esports Teams Celebrate Successful Fall Season, Sets Sights on Spring

Ball State’s Esports teams had a successful end to the 2024 Fall semester with various competitions and championships:

Also, in mid-January, the Scholastic Esports Awards recognized Ball State Rocket League as a nominee for Team of the Year and Valorant’s coach, Gannon Nelson, as a nominee for Coach of the Year.

Collaborative Piece Featured in Glass Art Publication

The collaborative artwork Dogs at Play—by Brent Cole, associate professor of art, and ceramic sculptor Janina Myronova—was featured in the Corning Museum of Glass’s New Glass Review 44, an annual publication showcasing 100 of the most innovative glass projects of the year. Their work, created during Ms. Myronova’s residency at Ball State, was selected from more than 1,000 submissions representing artists from more than 50 countries.

Professor’s Art on Exhibit in Florida

New work by Ted Neal, professor of art, is featured in the exhibition Our Favorite Forms at the Charlie Cummings Gallery in Gainesville, Fla. The show started Dec. 5, 2024, and runs through Jan. 31, 2025.

Grant Awarded for Recording Project

Daniel Narducci, assistant professor of music performance (voice), received an ASPiRE Grant for his recording project, The Czech Songs of Rudolf Friml, 1901–1911. Although Rudolf Friml is best known for his American operettas, his early Czech songs, composed under the mentorship of Antonín Dvořák at the Prague Conservatory, remain unrecorded. This grant will support research and planning to bring these overlooked works to light.

Health and Wellbeing Support Available

The Interprofessional Community Clinic (ICC) supports Ball State employees in several ways.

Associate Professor Wins Prestigious Science Communications Award

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in partnership with Schmidt Sciences, recently awarded Dr. Andy Luttrell, associate professor of psychological science, one of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. These awards recognize scientists and journalists who have created original work to communicate science issues to the general public.

Dr. Luttrell was one of 24 award winners from nearly 600 submissions. His research centers on people’s opinions, including when and how those attitudes change, with a focus on how people moralize their attitudes. 

Political Science Student Wins Outstanding Attorney Award at Mock Trial Competition

Brynn Hensley, a political science student, won the Outstanding Attorney Award at the 7th Annual Mock Hundred Invitational in November. She earned the first-place individual award, competing against more than 100 other students. The legal studies major was one point away from a perfect score in this invitational, meaning she was considered the best attorney in every round of the competition except for one.

The Mock Trial Association is a competitive academic organization where students from different institutions research the same case, prepare the witnesses, and ultimately take roles in mock trial competitions against other schools. Students in the Department of Political Science’s legal studies major regularly participate in the mock trial competition.

Awards and Grants

Journalism, Honors College Student Wins Award

Abigail Denault, a Ball State journalism and Honors College student, was selected by Community Engaged Alliance (CEA) as the 2024 Wood Student Community Commitment Award recipient. This award recognizes students who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community engagement. Ms. Denault is the first Ball State student to win this award.

Reel Inclusion Series Holds Public Screening, Discussion of Film, What These Walls Won’t Hold

The Reel Inclusion film series continues with a screening and a discussion of What These Walls Won’t Hold at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center’s Multipurpose Room. This documentary, by Adamu Chan, paints a portrait of resilience and hope within the confines of San Quentin State Prison. Mr. Chan offers a unique insider’s view that delves into his journey toward freedom while amplifying the voices of his community and their loved ones on both sides of the prison walls. Learn more about this event and the film online.

The Reel Inclusion series is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Provost, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the Multicultural Center, University Libraries, and the Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library. 

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