May 2, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
I write to share some information about today’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.
During the meeting, the Board approved the recommendation to implement a new academic calendar for our University, beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. The changes will shorten the Fall and Spring semesters to 15 instructional weeks, plus a final exam week, giving our faculty and staff extra time to promote student readiness, enhance relationship-rich practices, and provide additional professional development opportunities for our faculty.
These forthcoming changes were carefully planned based on input from a representative group of campus stakeholders. This group reviewed various policies, best practices, and institutional data to determine that these changes will benefit our students, faculty, and our University. Our revised calendar will help us better align with other institutions while, at the same time, helping us to improve our recruitment, retention, and student success efforts.
Based upon my recommendation, the Board also approved the reappointment of Dave Heeter as a member of the school board governing Muncie Community Schools.
Dave has served on the board since the partnership between MCS and our University began in 2018. Dave’s business experience and leadership experience have been of great benefit to the school board, and he is a proud graduate of Muncie Central High School. I appreciate his willingness to continue serving in a role that demonstrates his commitment to the children of Muncie and to our community.
Also during the meeting, the Board heard a presentation about the success of our seventh annual One Ball State Day. This year, we raised approximately $1.3 million and received more than 7,800 gifts—making April 2, 2025, our largest single day of giving yet. These gifts enable us to continue empowering our students, supporting our faculty and our staff, and serving our friends and neighbors. I am grateful to Jean Crosby and her team at the Foundation—and all of our campus partners—for all they do to ensure that our donors continue to answer the call to Beneficence.
Finally, the Board approved my recommendation to design and construct new locker rooms for our baseball and softball teams, to be located adjacent to the teams’ respective home dugouts. The new facilities will feature space for lockers, restrooms, showers, equipment, therapy, and a lounge and nutrition area. Construction on the project, which will be funded in part by a $5 million gift, is expected to be completed by Summer 2026.
At the end of the Board meeting, I made a few comments. I encourage you to read my remarks.
It is a privilege to serve with you, and I am grateful for your encouragement and support.
