Education

Ball State University Libraries Invites Visitors to Experience Tolkien Exhibit Before July Close

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — The Ball State University campus and the greater Muncie community have through the end of July to visit a special exhibit honoring the literary work of J.R.R. Tolkien, on display in Archives and Special Collections on the second floor of Bracken Library. Presented by University Libraries, the exhibit features selections from the Deborah and Fritz Dolak J.R.R. Tolkien Collection, which was generously donated to Ball State in 2013. The display honors the creativity, linguistic genius, and enduring influence of Tolkien—renowned author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In addition…

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Ivy Tech Students Empower Positive Change Through Justice-Involved Group Sessions

By Lesley Devoss—  MUNCIE, IN – Students from Ivy Tech Community College’s Human Services Group Process and Skills (HUMS 206) course recently completed a series of group sessions with justice-involved individuals at Delaware County Community Corrections (DCCC), focusing on the central theme of motivation and personal growth. The collaborative project provided an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting while helping participants explore what it means to stay motivated in challenging circumstances. Over 8 weeks, students facilitated and supported motivational group sessions designed to help individuals identify personal goals and develop strategies for change. Topics included the…


Muncie Community Schools Promotes Craft to Southside Principal

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Humbled and excited. That’s how Jeremiah “JD” Craft describes his reaction to being named the new principal at Southside Middle School. The longtime Muncie Community Schools (MCS) employee has been an assistant principal at Southside since 2021, and now takes the principal reins from Mike Raters who retired at the end of the school year. Craft is eager to help students realize their full potential. “Our folks are tough,” he said. “I think tough people can do anything they put their mind to, so getting our kids to take that toughness and translate it into a…


Muncie Community Schools Recognizes Teachers of the Year

Support staff, Rising Stars, school partners also honored By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has named the Teachers of the Year at each of its schools for the 2024-25 school year. All award recipients were presented with commemorative plaques by their building principals and now become eligible for the overall district Teacher of the Year awards, which will be presented at the start of the 2025-26 school year. This year’s recipients are: Devon Barbosa – North View Elementary Jake Hendershot – West View Elementary Jamie Brimbury – Longfellow Elementary Lisa Bilby – Grissom Elementary Michelle Bergren – East…


The Community Foundation Announces More 2025 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Madelyn Cooper, a senior at Delta High School, is a recipient of the Arthur D. and Josephine M. Robling Scholarship. Madelyn plans to study communications at Ball State University. She is the daughter of Carrie Cooper and Colin Cooper. Bryce Hahn, a senior at Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Charles L. Whitehair Memorial Scholarship, Max V. and Nellie Cathrine Creviston Scholarship, and Owen H. Ramey Memorial Scholarship. Bryce plans to study business and data information at Purdue University. He is the son of Jason Hahn and…


Peyton Felty—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— SELMA, IN—For the past few years, Peyton Felty has spent time learning and perfecting pool trick shots. The Wapahani High School senior enjoys playing pool and having an opportunity to use it for ministry through Gospel Trick Shots. In fact, he recently took part in a video for his church showing a trick shot and has since had numerous classmates talk with him about it….


The Community Foundation Announces More 2025 Scholarship Recipients

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, iN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Judah Branam, a senior at Burris Laboratory School, is a recipient of the Dr. William J. and Thelma V. McNabney Memorial Scholarship. Judah plans to study media at Indiana University. He is the son of Jonathan Branam and Tiffany Branam. Bradley Dickey, a senior at Cowan Jr/Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Max V. and Nellie Cathrine Creviston Scholarship. Bradley plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He is the son of Brandon and Celestial Dickey. Lexi Edwards, a senior at Muncie Central High School,…


Aurilia Moulton—Member of Pridemark Construction’s ‘Future Leaders of America’ Series

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— YORKTOWN, IN—Yorktown High School senior Aurilia Moulton has learned the art of balance throughout high school in being involved with numerous activities. She ran cross-country all four years and also participated in a wide array of dramatic endeavors, including her school’s drama club and at the Muncie Civic Theater. Along with acting roles, Moulton also has choreographed for numerous productions at school and for the youth…


Ball State University, City of Muncie Partner to Bring New Park to Anthony-Northside Neighborhood

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University and the City of Muncie have partnered to create a new neighborhood park for Muncie’s Anthony-Northside Neighborhood, advancing a shared commitment to fostering positive community impact. Through a recently signed license agreement, Ball State has granted the City of Muncie the use of land surrounding the University’s Oakwood Building—formerly the Anthony Administration Building of Muncie Community Schools—for the development of the new public space. The park will provide a much-needed recreational resource for Anthony-Northside Neighborhood families and residents, fulfilling a longtime community priority. “The project is an extension of our mission…


Ball State Earns Top National Honors Across Media and Communication Programs

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) continues to distinguish itself as a national leader in student media, earning the No. 1 ranking for Top Winning Sports Program in the 2025 Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Festival of Media Arts School Rankings. This recognition highlights the continued success of Ball State Sports Link, which captured multiple honors in this year’s Festival, including top placements for video features, live production, and on-air talent. In total, Ball State students won nine individual awards in sports categories—contributing to the University’s rise from last…