July 29, 2022
Stories of GratitudeI am grateful for our employees’ sustained service to Ball State University and unwavering commitment to our mission. Such effort and dedication should never go unnoticed.
Accordingly, I am grateful to the University’s Board of Trustees for approving my recommendation to once again provide Days of Beneficence, a tangible manifestation of our gratitude to our employees. The 2022 Days of Beneficence will occur Tuesday, December 27; Wednesday, December 28; Thursday, December 29; and Friday, December 30. This is the third consecutive year that our University is providing this meaningful gesture of appreciation.
I heard from many of you that you and your colleagues appreciate having those extra days off at the end of the year. One employee said having this downtime has been good for her soul and mental health. Others have commented on how wonderful it is to have additional time to spend with family and friends, to do volunteer work, or to relax and recharge.
Even as we prepare for Fall semester on our beautiful campus, it’s not too early to think about the upcoming Days of Beneficence in December. However you decide to spend your Days of Beneficence, please let this special time be a reminder that your efforts and dedication are noticed—and that you are appreciated.
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Sincerely,
Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University
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Fall Opening Convocation 2022 Set for Aug. 19 at Emens Auditorium
Ball State University’s Fall Opening Convocation will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at Emens Auditorium. All faculty and staff are invited to attend in-person. Fall Convocation will also be livestreamed: bsu.edu/live. Additional details will be sent via email to faculty and staff.
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Our Call to Beneficence Podcast
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Next Episode of Our Call to Beneficence Features Renown Broadway Actress and Ball State Graduate, Kayla Davion
Broadway actress and Ball State University graduate Kayla Davion ’17 is the guest on the next episode of the monthly podcast Our Call to Beneficence. This episode is available now.
Following her graduation from Ball State with a degree in Musical Theatre from our College of Fine Arts, Ms. Davion ’17 headed to New York City to appear in her first Broadway show, Waitress. She later landed roles in other Broadway musicals, including King Kong, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Ms. Davion also created an Alumni Ambassador program within Ball State’s nationally recognized Department of Theatre and Dance.
All episodes of the Our Call to Beneficence podcast are available online, as well as on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscriptions and reviews are also encouraged to help grow the audience for this podcast.
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University Marketing & Communications
Deedie Dowdle Joins Ball State as new Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Deedie Dowdle has joined Ball State University as vice president of Marketing and Communications.
Ms. Dowdle has extensive experience in marketing and communications in institutions of higher education, having spent time at Miami University, where she was associate vice president of university communications and marketing, as well as in marketing roles at Auburn University and Kennesaw State University. Ms. Dowdle also knows the Indiana market well, having spent the last five years as vice president for communications and marketing at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.
At Ball State, Ms. Dowdle will advance critical priorities important to the University’s brand position, and she is working with partners across campus to strengthen core messaging and increase marketing competitiveness.
Read more about Ms. Dowdle in this email from Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns.
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Inclusive Excellence
Dr. Rashida Willard hired as new Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence
Dr. Rashida Willard will join Ball State University as associate vice president of Inclusive Excellence, effective Sept. 19, Dr. Charlene Alexander, chief strategy officer, announced.
Dr. Willard, who has more than 20 years of experience in risk mitigation—including more than eight years in higher education at Clark College, one of the largest community colleges in the Pacific Northwest—will be providing strategic leadership for and overall management of Ball State’s Office of Inclusive Excellence. The unit is dedicated to the recruitment, retention, and celebration of diverse faculty, staff, and students who possess a variety of worldviews, identities, and experiences. It also assists Ball State’s colleges in integrating diversity, equity, and educational quality efforts into their missions and institutional operations.
Read more about Dr. Willard in this Ball State press release.
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In-Person Orientation for New Employees to Resume Aug. 25
In-person orientation sessions for new employees will resume 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2022.
New Employee Orientation will be held 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month. November and December dates will be adjusted due to holidays in those months. Each New Employee Orientation session will include an option for virtual attendance via Zoom. New employees register online for orientation by visiting the Human Resources Learning and Development page and clicking on “View Upcoming Learning Sessions.” When logging in to register, use your BSU username without the “@bsu.edu” part.
If there are questions or problems logging in, contact Breanne Holloway, assistant director of Organizational Development and Learning, at bholloway1@bsu.edu or 765-285-1819.
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Virtual Session About Onboarding New Employees Scheduled for Aug. 2
With many departments and divisions onboarding new employees or currently recruiting for new positions, Learning and Development is offering a “How to Onboard New Employees” virtual session from 2-3 p.m. on Aug. 2. We will cover the onboarding checklist and discuss how to set up their computer workstations. To register, visit the Human Resources Learning and Development page and click on “View Upcoming Learning Sessions.” When logging in to register, use your BSU username without the “@bsu.edu” part.
If there are questions or problems logging in, contact Breanne Holloway, assistant director of Organizational Development and Learning, at bholloway1@bsu.edu or 765-285-1819.
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Make Note of Updates to Ball State’s 2022-2023 Holiday Calendar
With approval of Ball State University’s Board of Trustees, the following updates have been made to the University’s 2022-2023 holiday calendar:
- Days of Beneficence will occur Tuesday, December 27, 2022; Wednesday, December 28, 2022; Thursday, December 29, 2022; and Friday, December 30, 2022.
- The University will observe the federal holiday Juneteenth, beginning in 2023.
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Donations to Ball State’s Leave Sharing Bank Accepted Through Aug. 31
Ball State University employees may donate to the Leave Sharing Bank, which helps employees who have exhausted their paid leave time due to substantial illness. Employees may donate leave—vacation, sick leave, paid-time-off (PTO), or Income Protection Bank (collectively referred to as “unused paid leave”)—in increments of eight hours up to a maximum of 40 hours. Leave donations are being accepted through Aug. 31, 2022. Please use this donation form.
Learn more by visiting the Leave Sharing Bank program’s webpage, and clicking on the red “Guides” tab. Questions about donating to the Leave Sharing Bank, or how the bank works, can be addressed to the Human Resources Solution Center: 765-285-1834 or humanresources@bsu.edu.
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| Ball State's Response to COVID-19
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All employees are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccination and then attest to their full vaccination using our online form.
On-Campus Vaccination Clinic To Reopen in August
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Stay current on latest Statehouse news
The Office of Governmental Relations invites you to subscribe to its weekly newsletter, Statehouse Update. The newsletter provides updates on key legislation being followed by the University and insights into the legislative process. Sign up or view past editions of the newsletter.
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R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and PlanningCAP Celebrates Future Build of Eco-Friendly Duplex, Alley House, with Community Event in Indianapolis
The R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) hosted a public event on July 13 that celebrated the future construction of the Alley House—an affordable, net-zero energy, sustainable duplex family home in Indianapolis’ Near Eastside designed by a team of CAP students and faculty.
The event included several educational stations about the duplex, yard games, interactive activities for young children, and a symbolic groundbreaking. Kicking off the symbolic groundbreaking were speakers David Ferguson, dean of CAP; Pam Harwood and Tom Collins, CAP professors; Emily Rheinheimer and Alejandra Lagunas, CAP students; Vop Osili, president of the Indianapolis City-County Council; and Abigail Lane, director of Community and Development of the Englewood Community Development Corporation—CAP’s corporate partner on the Alley House.
A presentation of a $25,000 check for the Alley House was given by State Farm Insurance. The Alley House build concept successfully competed in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist® program and State Farm gave $25,000 to advance the Alley House build. CAP is working to raise the additional funding needed to build this duplex.
CAP students, with faculty leads, designed the Alley House for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon® 2023 Build Challenge, and as part of the University’s immersive learning projects.
Miller College of BusinessArticles Published
Several Miller College of Business faculty members have had their articles published recently, and one had an op-ed piece published in the Wall Street Journal:
Accolade
Dr. Dagney Faulk was recently elected vice president of the Mid-Continent Regional Science Association (MCRSA)—one of five regional science associations in North America, all affiliated with the North American Regional Science Council (NARSC). MCRSA is an interdisciplinary organization consisting of membership of academics and other public and private organizations. Members are interested in using the tools of regional science to help solve applied problems in rural and urban areas at the local, state, and national levels.
College of Communication, Information, and MediaAwards and Accolades- Ball State Sports Link was honored at the 14th Annual Sports Video Group (SVG) College Sports Media Awards in association with NACDA. College of Communication, Information and Media students captured two Best of College Sports Media Awards—bringing Sports Link’s total wins to 13 since 2012. Sports Link’s five nominations brings CCIM’s nominations total to 54 nominations—an SVG record. The 2021-22 Men’s Basketball Creative Intro earned Outstanding In-Venue Production and The Tip (Women’s Basketball) earned Outstanding Program Series.
- “The Concept Crew”—a team of College of Communication, Information, and Media undergraduate students, Lexi Esterle (Journalism) and Drew Wiltberger (Media); and advised by Dr. Sungwon Chung, assistant professor of Journalism—earned the 2nd place award in the 13th Annual Washington Media Scholars Foundation’s Media Plan Case Competition. This is a national, multi-round competition where student teams of two develop a media plan to address a case scenario based on real-world data.
- Department of Media student Hope Stauffer earned the 2022 Philanthropy Award from the Ball State University Foundation. Since 2016, the Foundation has been honoring students who strive to promote philanthropy education across campus and lead philanthropy initiatives that benefit Ball State University.
College of Fine ArtsImmersive Learning Graphic Design Projects Win Digital Design Awards
Two design projects by the immersive learning class Studio 165+—led by Shantanu Suman, assistant professor of Art—were selected as 2022 Digital Design Awards winners and published in the GD USA Magazine, a graphic design publication. The “Celebrate the Unknown” social media campaign for Muncie Action Plan was created in collaboration with MAP, through which Muncie neighborhoods were encouraged to submit applications for American Rescue Funds. The “Until Next Time” social media campaign, created for Mid-Indiana Trails - MINT, announced the Prairie Creek Trails closure for the 2021 Winter season and reopening in Spring 2022.
College of HealthAchievement
The Dr. Ron Dolon Scholarship, in the Department of Social Work, recently reached the endowed level after a crowdfunding campaign that raised nearly $3,000.
Participants Needed for Study
The Biomechanics Lab is looking for participants for a study titled, “Comparison of Walking and Stair Climbing Using a Walking Boot or Ankle Brace to Measure Joint Stabilization.” Participants should be between the ages of 60-80. They should not have a history of lower extremity injury in the past three months, or any chronic musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. For more information or to sign up, call 765-285-5178 or email Emma Burns, emma.burns@bsu.edu or Dr. Clark Dickin, dcdickin@bsu.edu.
College of Sciences and HumanitiesAwards and Published Articles- Dr. Jennifer Rathbun, professor of Modern Languages and Classics, has earned honorable mention at the International Latino Book Awards for her translation of “Cardinal in My Window with a Mask on Its Beak.” The honorable mention was in the category of The Juan Felipe Herrera Best Poetry Book - Multiple Authors.
- Dr. Melinda Messineo—interim associate vice president for Inclusive Excellence, and professor of Sociology—has received the 2022 Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award from the American Sociological Association in recognition of her impactful career at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
- The Hoosier Science Teacher, the Indiana State Science Teaching Association’s journal, published an article announcing the opening of the new Environmental Education Center and expanded conservatory space in the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse. The article was co-written by Erica Oliver, coordinator of Environmental Education at the Greenhouse; Carol Day, curator of the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse; and Tom McConnell, professor of Biology.
- Dr. Wendy Koslicki, assistant professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, recently published the article “Criticism Does Not Constrain: Testing for Evidence of De-Policing Following the Murder of George Floyd” in Policing: An International Journal.
Teachers College‘Flying Classroom,’ Experiential Outdoor Learning Highlight This Year’s Camp Adventure
Camp Adventure, directed by Stacey Allred, associate lecturer of Elementary Education, once again provided experiential outdoor learning for Muncie area children and pre-service teachers. Captain Barrington Irving and the Flying Classroom team spent the day with the campers on June 27. Captain Irving is the Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest man, and first Black man, to fly solo around the world at age 23.
Journal of Special Education Preparation is Available Online
The Spring 2022 edition of the Journal of Special Education Preparation is available online. The journal’s founder and editor Andrew Markelz, and associate editor Argnue Chitiyo, are assistant professors in the Department of Special Education.
Scholarships and Conferences- The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides renewable scholarships to 200 high-achieving students interested in pursuing a career in education. This year, 33 scholars will attend Ball State—an increase from 21 last year, and the highest number for a single Indiana campus. To learn more about the Ball State winners, visit the Teachers College Blog.
- The Ball State Educational Leadership and School Counseling Programs hosted the inaugural Indiana School Counselor and Administrator Collaboration Institute conference in June. Over 180 principals, school counselors, and graduate students from around the state attended. Learn more.
Honors College
Longtime Honors College Dean, Dr. John Emert, to Retire Next Year
Dr. John Emert, dean of the Honors College, is retiring May 31, 2023—after more than 30 years as a Ball State faculty member. Dr. Emert came to Ball State immediately after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He began as a faculty member in Mathematical Sciences, moving through the professorial ranks to professor in 1999 and chair in 2005. He also spent time as a visiting professor at the Indiana Academy of Science, Mathematics, and Humanities; and as Director of the Ball State Worchester Center.
Long associated with the Honors College and honors curricula, Dr. Emert became the college’s associate dean in 2008 and was appointed dean in 2016. As Honors College dean, he has excelled in recruiting talented and diverse students, restructured the Undergraduate Honors Fellowship, and enhanced donor giving and engagement.
As part of Ball State’s campus community, Dr. Emert has served in many roles including committee member, external evaluator, organizer, judge, reviewer and reader. He is a long-time member of Ball State’s Council on the Environment, Assessment Committee, and University Senate. He is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (including Finance, Publications, and Planning committees), and has served as the disciplinary editor for the American Journal on Undergraduate Research. He is the author or co-author of almost 40 publications.
Dr. Emert is also a gifted musician. He has 20 original commercially published choral works.
The University will celebrate Dr. Emert’s achievements in Spring 2023, said Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.
University Libraries
Bracken Library’s Education, Music and Media Collection to Re-open for Fall Semester 2022
The Lower Level of Bracken Library will re-open to the public in time for the 2022 Fall semester. The area has been closed since September 2021 for repairs and renovations necessitated by an issue with underground water piping.
The closure provided an opportunity to accelerate planning that was already underway to increase visibility of and access to the varied resources that constitute the Education, Music and Media Collection, many of which were formerly housed in closed stacks behind the service counter.
The Music Collection, DVDs, audio books, K-12 textbooks, leveled readers, and circulating equipment are already well-known to users. Soon, users will also be able to freely browse the rich collection of resources available to enhance Pre K-12 teaching and other projects across the curriculum, including cultural objects, educational games, toys, models, and more. Enhanced collaborative and individual study spaces will also be available. Library personnel from Educational, Music and Media Collection, and other library operations, have begun moving back to their locations in the Lower Level to prepare for the Fall re-opening.
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