By Jud Fisher—
MUNCIE, IN—For over a century, East Central Indiana’s identity was rooted in manufacturing—iconic names like Ball and General Motors defined our region. Glass jars, auto batteries, headlamps, and transmissions were the backbone of our economy. However, over the past two decades there’s been a shift away from heavy manufacturing, tasking our region to dig deep to redefine itself. As we look ahead, I’m filled with optimism about the future of Muncie, Delaware County, and all of East Central Indiana—and here’s why.
The Impact of READI
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 programs have played a crucial role in our region’s ongoing transformation. READI 2.0 was a significant win for East Central Indiana, with $35 million awarded by the state—one of the highest awards in Indiana for a region our size.
Having learned many lessons from READI 1.0, our community came together early thanks to the leadership of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, working across an eight-county region to clearly define our ‘niche’ during READI 2.0. I’m especially proud of the efforts to engage our residents—including more than 1,700 high school and college students—who weighed in to share what will keep them in East Central Indiana, what amenities they’d like to see, and what investments are needed to better support housing needs. This direct feedback is guiding our future growth, ensuring that we build a region that resonates with the generations to come.
Identity Emerging as Indiana’s “Eds and Meds” Region
One of the most promising developments is East Central Indiana’s emergence as a hub for healthcare education. We’re Indiana’s “eds and meds” region, home to five key higher ed institutions—Ball State, Taylor, Indiana Wesleyan, Earlham, and Ivy Tech. Additionally, the IU School of Medicine’s Muncie campus is one of the largest in the state. These institutions are not just anchors for our region; they are producing the skilled healthcare professionals that Indiana desperately needs.
Beyond healthcare, our region’s institutions of higher education are producing graduates in critical fields: K-12 education, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. These graduates are staying in Indiana. From our state’s smallest towns to its largest cities, Indiana needs the teachers, nurses, and others that are being educated here in ECI. In the years ahead, we’re excited to see more graduates embrace the quality of life that East Central Indiana offers—small-town conveniences, low cost of living, and access to excellent schools and amenities.
Leading the Way in Cybersecurity
Another area where East Central Indiana is making its mark is cybersecurity. As cybercrime becomes an increasingly significant threat, our region is stepping up to boost the cyber workforce pipeline. Ivy Tech-Muncie has developed custom courses to support law enforcement officers who are tackling cybercrime. Ball State University is creating the Cardinal Academy of Digital Security and Education to complement its existing cybersecurity degree programs. And Anderson University’s Center for Security Studies and Cyber Defense offers highly competitive internships in this critical field while also leading efforts to advance coordination between universities across Indiana that are offering cybersecurity programs.
In late July, the foundation partnered with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to host over 100 officials from across Indiana. Representatives from the military, private sector, state government, and higher education gathered in Muncie to discuss expanding the cyber workforce pipeline. This is an exciting niche for rural Indiana, and we are fully committed to supporting it. Building on years of dedicated work in this area, East Central Indiana is poised to become a statewide leader in cybersecurity, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Embracing Our Natural Assets
I’m also excited about our region’s growing reputation for outdoor recreation, particularly along our rivers. East Central Indiana is home to the headwaters of five rivers, including the White River, which flows through our communities. For decades, Muncie has been a leader in cleaning up the White River, and we now boast some of the best stretches of this river in the region.
In recent years, Muncie has removed or significantly modified four of our five dams along the White River, creating tremendous recreational potential. Plans are in place for up to five new kayak and canoe launches in the heart of Muncie—and, at the same time, we’re working with Taylor University in Upland to improve recreational access to the Mississinewa River. These rivers rival some of the best in the Midwest for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, and we’re eager to share this story with the world.
ECI Is Up for the Challenge
There’s a lot at stake in communities across Indiana. We’re all working hard to attract businesses, provide top-quality education, retain population, and build a better life for those who live in our communities—both rural and urban alike. East Central Indiana has faced its share of challenges, but I’m particularly optimistic about the future of this region. We are redefining ourselves, leaning into our strengths, and building a brighter future for all who call this place home.
About Ball Brothers Foundation:
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. In 2023, the foundation paid out $8.8 million in grants to support place-based initiatives related to arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services, and public affairs. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state.
