September 30, 2025

     With the start of a new school year, Ball State University has entered the eighth year of our historic partnership with Muncie Community Schools (MCS). Since the start of this collaboration in 2018, we have achieved meaningful progress toward our shared goals: stabilizing student enrollment, balancing the district’s budget, supporting students’ academic success, and substantially increasing compensation for teachers and staff.

     I am grateful to the faculty, staff, and leadership in our Teachers College for their ongoing commitment to providing enhanced support to MCS. I also want to thank the MCS Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and administrators for their exceptional partnership.

    Together, we have reinvigorated public education in Muncie. Here are some recent successes that demonstrate the continued impact of our partnership:

      In August, Teachers College—working in collaboration with Ball State Online—launched the new Leadership Pipeline program to prepare current MCS educators to become school leaders. Through this initiative, eligible MCS employees who enroll in Ball State’s fully online Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration and Supervision receive a 50 percent tuition reduction—an investment of approximately $11,000 per participant. In addition, MCS is offering incentives such as paid professional development days and retention bonuses to participants who complete the program and remain with the district.

     These results represent our sustained commitment to revitalizing Muncie’s public school system and helping MCS deliver on a foundational promise: to provide an excellent educational experience to every learner.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

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.

Together We Fly is publishing a story highlighting a goal in each issue. This effort, started in August 2025, continues with a spotlight on Goal 2: Graduate Education and Lifetime Learning. This goal affirms our commitment to expanding Ball State’s reach and impact along the continuum of human development by serving graduate students and other adults throughout their lifetime educational journeys and by anticipating and responding to workforce needs. 

The 2025-30 Strategic Plan enhances how we support students from their first year forward: through coordinated recruitment efforts, expanded learning communities, purposeful advising, and a curriculum designed to build cultural awareness, global understanding, and real-world skills. These initiatives are grounded in our belief that undergraduate education at Ball State should be rigorous, personalized, and transformational.

Latest Episode of ‘Our Call to Beneficence’ Features Award-Winning Actor Hugh Jackman

Award-winning actor Hugh Jackman is the guest on the September 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. 

Mr. Jackman visited Ball State this month with fellow actor Sutton Foster, who has been an instructor in our Department of Theatre and Dance for more than a decade. Ms. Foster co-starred with Mr. Jackman in the 2022 revival of The Music Man on Broadway. During his visit to Ball State, Mr. Jackman was generous with his time, talent, and insights—engaging with students in their acting and musical theatre classes and participating in multiple question-and-answer sessions.

Mr. Jackman is best known for his starring role as Wolverine in several Marvel films. He has also starred in other major movies, including The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables, The Prestige, and Prisoners. His work in Les Misérables earned him a Golden Globe Award®. Mr. Jackman has won a Tony Award® for his role in A Boy from Oz and an Emmy Award® for his hosting duties of the Tony® Awards. In 2009, he also hosted the 81st Academy Awards.

Look Ahead to Homecoming 2025: Oct. 13-18

Homecoming 2025 runs Oct. 13-18, with various events for everyone. Highlights include the Department Decorating Contest (judging done Oct. 10—to build excitement just before the big week), a food truck festival (Oct. 13), the Bed Race (Oct. 17), the Charlie Chase 5K Run/Walk (Oct. 18), the Homecoming Parade (Oct. 18), and the Homecoming football game—Cardinals vs. Akron Zips at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Participants in the Department Decorating Contest must RSVP via email to homecoming@bsu.edu by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6. Find the full schedule of Homecoming events and details in the 2025 Faculty/Staff Homecoming Packet.

ECAP Hosts Celebratory Opening for its Downtown Muncie Hub Oct. 2

Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (ECAP) welcomes the public to the Oct. 2 celebratory opening of the college’s newly leased space on the first floor of 306 S. Walnut Street in Muncie. The open house will be held 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the site, which will serve as an innovative extension of ECAP during the renovation of the Architecture Building on campus—and as a hub that supports education, builds community connections, and fosters cross-campus collaboration. Learn more about this hub in this Ball State press release.

Make a Difference: Contribute to Ball State’s 2025 United Way Employee Campaign

Running Sept. 15-Nov. 21, the 2025 Ball State University United Way Employee Campaign offers all University employees and retirees the opportunity to easily donate to Heart of Indiana United Way to support all it does for our community.

No donation is too small, and every dollar brings our friends and neighbors one step closer to meeting urgent needs, supporting children in reaching their full potential, and giving individuals the tools to build stronger financial futures. Donor generosity fuels lasting impact across our region.

There are a few ways to contribute: Speak with your designated Team Captain for a pledge form, text the Phrase “BSU4United” to 91999, or access E-Pledge online. Gifts can be made through one-time donations in cash, by check or credit card, or by setting up payroll deductions. Payroll deductions from this year will not automatically roll over to next year, so a new pledge must be submitted to keep deductions going through 2026.

The earlier you give, the better your donation’s chance of qualifying for matching funds from Ball Brothers Foundation—which has generously offered to match all undesignated new or increased donations.

Additionally, colleges and units across campus will compete to win the United Way Campaign Participation Champions Trophy.

This Year’s Annual Cardinal Day of Wellbeing to be Held Oct. 29

The Division of People and Culture is hosting this year’s annual Cardinal Day of Wellbeing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. All employees are encouraged to attend.

At this free event, visitors can:

Visit the Cardinal Day of Wellbeing event page to get additional details and to register for sessions. 

Participate in Ball State’s BeWell & LiveWell Incentive Programs

Through Ball State’s BeWell and LiveWell incentive programs, eligible employees can earn up to $230 in rewards.

This incentive year ends on Oct. 31, 2025. Visit the incentive website for more information or to claim your incentives.

Meritorious Service Award Winners for 2025

Ball State University’s Meritorious Service Award was initiated in 1986 to recognize excellence among staff personnel. Recipients are recognized for demonstrating excellence above and beyond the requirements of their position, exemplifying quality work, and bringing distinction to their departments.

Each year, Ball State presents the Meritorious Service Award to a small group of excellent employees across campus. The winners are selected by their respective divisions after being nominated by their supervisors or colleagues.

Below are the 2025 honorees—each of whom exemplifies the enduring value of excellence and brings distinction to their departments and Ball State:

Counseling Center Earns Highest Re-Accreditation Level

Ball State University’s Counseling Center has earned the highest level of re-accreditation from the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA), securing a full 10-year term. This achievement highlights the center’s commitment to exceptional mental healthcare and professional training.

The APA-CoA’s rigorous evaluation ensures the center meets national standards for its staff, treatment protocols, and student outcomes. As a training site for many of Ball State’s graduate students, this re-accreditation confirms that the Counseling Center provides a top-tier environment that prepares the next generation of mental health professionals for licensure and successful careers.

This commitment to excellence also directly benefits the entire campus community, ensuring students have access to high-quality mental health resources essential for their academic and personal success.

Available Now: Lifetime Learning’s Fall 2025 Catalog

Lifetime Learning by Ball State’s Fall 2025 catalog—available now—highlights a variety of non-credit programs for adults interested in personal and professional growth. With flexible learning options offered in in-person and online formats, individuals of all ages and schedules can participate, connect, and grow through short-term learning experiences tailored to individual goals. Exploring a non-credit skills class or certification through Lifetime Learning can be a significant first step for a professional looking to upskill or make a mid-career shift.

Monthly AI Coffee Chats Scheduled for October, November, and December

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a useful resource for Ball State faculty and staff to supplement their work. This semester, Ball State has been offering AI Coffee Chats for individuals interested in asking questions about AI, learning from others, and sharing their AI success stories.

There will be three more AI Coffee Chats this semester: Oct. 3, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5. Each will be held from 9-10 a.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center’s music lounge.

Upcoming Lectures

The following lectures are open to everyone: 

Ebrahim Poustinchi, associate professor of architecture at Kent State University

Oct. 13 at 4 p.m., in the Architecture Building, Room 100 

Learn more online.

Katherine Darnstadt, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP  

Nov. 3 at 4 p.m., in the Architecture Building, Room 100 

Learn more online.

Dr. Timothy Beatley, Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities
School of Architecture, University of Virginia

Nov. 17 at 4 p.m., in the Architecture Building, Room 100

Learn more online.

Miller College to Host Dialogue Days Oct. 15-16

Dialogue Days, a long-standing professional development and networking tradition hosted by Miller College of Business, is scheduled for Oct. 15-16. More than 100 alumni will return to campus for more than 60 panels and workshops on professional development and in-depth business topics. A full schedule will be posted online two weeks before the event. This year, Dialogue Days will feature an expanded networking lounge, offering students more opportunities to connect with alumni during the event.

Fall 2025 Bryan Dean Forum Topic: Eli Lilly and Company’s Social Impact Approach

The Fall 2025 Bryan Dean Forum will feature Cynthia Noemi Cardona, president of the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, and vice president of Eli Lilly and Company, serving as the head of social impact for this global pharmaceutical company. This forum is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the Whitinger Business Building, Room 144. Ms. Cardona’s discussion is titled, “Beyond Medicines, Beyond Today, and Beyond Business - Eli Lilly and Company’s Social Impact Approach.” A reception will immediately follow the lecture.

Ball State’s EA SPORTS® College Football 26 Tournament Championship Match Set for Oct. 4

After a thrilling single-elimination tournament that began Aug. 29, the championship match in Ball State’s inaugural EA SPORTS® College Football 26 Tournament will be played on Oct. 4. This tournament is a collaborative effort between Ball State Athletics, the Division of Marketing and Communications, and the College of Communication, Information, and Media’s nationally acclaimed Esports program.

President Geoffrey S. Mearns and Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell kicked off the tournament by competing in the first-ever “Geoff vs. Jeff Bowl” in August. Since then, the Esports Center has been buzzing with activity as on- and off-campus competitors have been fiercely competing to make it to the championship match. The winner will receive a $50 gift card to Gameday Spirit and an exclusive football game day experience: on-field access during part of the first quarter.

Accolades and Research Presentation

Yoga with Noah, Walking Class at Muncie Mall, Offered This Fall

The Interprofessional Community Clinic’s Health Lifestyle Center (HLC) is hosting the following free classes:

This is in addition to the core offerings of:

To schedule a health assessment or other services with HLC—or for additional information about its classes and offerings—call 765-285-1293 or email HLC765@bsu.edu.

Baby and Me Program’s Second Group Starts Meeting Oct. 15

The Counseling Practicum Clinic’s second group of its free Baby and Me program will meet 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Oct.15-Dec. 3, in the clinic space of the Health Professions Building, 1613 W. Riverside Ave., in Muncie. Parents, caregivers, and babies aged six weeks to 10 months old (not yet walking) are welcome to attend. All adults must RSVP. For additional information, call the Counseling Practicum Clinic at 765-285-8047.

Chemistry Faculty Members Secure Major National Research Awards
The Department of Chemistry is celebrating two exciting new research grants that showcase our faculty’s national reach and impact.

Dr. Elsayed Zahran has been awarded a $370,817 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop advanced, eco-friendly nanocomposite photocatalysts. His project will focus on using bismuth oxide to address one of today’s most persistent environmental challenges: chlorinated organic pollutants in groundwater.

Dr. Emil Khisamutdinov received $560,460 in funding from the National Institutes of Health for his project, Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle-based Monoclonal Antibody Mimics. This innovative research explores new frontiers in antibody engineering and biomedical applications.

These awards reflect the growing strength of the Department of Chemistry in securing highly competitive funding and advancing impactful scientific research. Both projects will lead to meaningful opportunities for student involvement at the undergraduate and graduate levels, further enriching the educational experience in chemistry.

Ball State, MCS Partner to Strengthen Leadership Pipeline

Teachers College—in partnership with Ball State Online and Muncie Community Schools (MCS)—has launched the Leadership Pipeline program to prepare future school leaders from within the district. Eligible MCS educators who pursue Teachers College’s fully online master’s degree in educational administration and supervision will receive a 50-percent tuition reduction, saving approximately $11,000.

MCS also offers retention bonuses, paid release days, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for participants who complete the program. Building on the University’s stewardship of MCS since 2018, this initiative strengthens community partnerships while equipping educators with the knowledge and experience to lead Muncie schools forward. Read more in this Ball State press release.

Assistant Professor Co-Edits Special Issue of Journal

Kat Stephens-Peace, assistant professor of higher education in Teachers College’s Department of Educational Leadership, has co-edited a special issue of the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability with Daniel J. Blake of Georgia State University, Julia Rose Karpicz of Worcester State University, and Gabriel Rodriguez Lemus, Jr. of the University of Texas at Austin.

The issue, titled “Disabled, Racially Minoritized, and Invisible: The Intersectionality of Race and Disability in Higher Education,” spotlights five peer-reviewed articles exploring the critical intersections of race and disability in higher education, including a solo article authored by Dr. Stephens-Peace. This special issue is available via open access and can be read online.

Honors College Faculty Member Publishes Monograph

Dr. Alexander L. Kaufman—the Reed D. Voran Distinguished Professor of Honors Humanities and professor of English—recently published the scholarly monograph Christmastime Texts and the Popularity of the Robin Hood Tradition (Leeds: Arc Humanities Press, 2025). This is the first full-length study of Robin Hood Christmastime poems, novels, short stories, dramatic and musical performances, material culture, and media.

Reel Inclusion Series Holds Public Screening, Discussion of Film, Sensory Overload

The Reel Inclusion film series continues with a screening and a discussion of Sensory Overload, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, at the Applied Technology Building, Room 183. The film focuses on the stories of individuals who are neurodivergent. Dr. Danielle Bratton, an assistant professor and a licensed behavior analyst, and Shawnna Sundberg, assistant lecturer of applied behavior analysis, will facilitate the discussion. Email questions to Susan Taylor, research and teaching services librarian.

Virtual Lunch and Learn Set for Oct. 16

Ball State University linguistics graduate student Judith Awono will share her research in the Lunch & Learn virtual event, “Kenyan English and Language Proficiency,” from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 16. Her research examines the significant gap in studies of multiword expressions—focusing on an African multilingual context, specifically Swahili-English contact in Kenya. The findings contribute to second language acquisition, intercultural pragmatics, and sociolinguistics by showing how culturally embedded expressions function as tools for communication, identity, and cultural transmission. Register online.

Eerie Muncie Returns Oct. 21

Eerie Muncie, a panel discussion about some of the eerie happenings and hauntings in Muncie and Delaware County history, is scheduled for 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 21, at the Alumni Center. Now in its fourth year, this program features panelists who present new and intriguing information each time. Refreshments will be served after the program. There is no cost to attend—but online registration is required.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current campaigns, news and events