By: Marc Ransford—
Muncie, IN – Geoffrey S. Mearns, the president of Ball State University, has selected Beth Goetz as the new Athletics Director.
Ms. Goetz will join Ball State in June after serving as the chief operating officer of the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) athletics department since 2016. She will succeed Mark Sandy, who is retiring.
President Mearns said he selected Ms. Goetz after a thorough national search, noting her extensive leadership experience, including key positions held at Butler University, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Connecticut.
He also said Ms. Goetz has a genuine passion for academic and competitive excellence.
“What I appreciate most about Beth is that she believes athletics is part of the overall educational experience for college students,” President Mearns said. “Beth also embodies the same values that are intrinsic to Ball State University, including our Beneficence Pledge.
“She will instill a culture of excellence in Ball State athletics that will infuse pride and passion in our students, our alumni, and our fans as we embark on our second century. Beth also has been successful generating revenues for other universities, including boosting attendance at athletic events and raising philanthropic support. As a previous college athlete, coach, and administrator, Beth understands the importance of leading others and how that will play a major role in enhancing competitive success for all our sports programs.”
As Ball State’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Ms. Goetz will oversee athletic programs and activities that fully conform with institutional, Mid-American Conference (MAC), and NCAA rules and guidelines.
“I am thrilled to join Ball State, especially under the leadership of President Mearns,” Ms. Goetz said. “I look forward to joining a great team of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. I understand and appreciate the University’s dedication to engaging with the entire community. I can’t wait to be a part of Muncie and East Central Indiana.”
As a former college soccer player at Brevard College and Clemson University, Ms. Goetz said she values the role athletics plays in the development of student-athletes.
“I believe in the impact of higher education and know a student’s participation in college athletics at this level can be an integral component and enhancement to this transformative experience,” she said. “I am a product of public school education and have spent the majority of my career at public research universities. The core values of academic excellence, integrity, respect for diversity, and a classroom that extends beyond campus walls are my guiding principles.
“The challenge to compete as a Division I athlete here at Ball State plays a crucial role in preparing student-athletes to be future leaders in the community and their chosen field. I am proud to serve in supporting their dreams.”
About Ball State University
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State is one of Indiana’s signature universities and an economic driver for the state. The University’s 2017-18 enrollment — 22,513 — is the largest in school history, and its freshman class of 4,002 is just three students shy of a school record. Every Indiana county is represented among Ball State’s student body, as are all 50 states and 68 countries. Ball State’s 731-acre campus is large enough to accommodate premier facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University, where 90 percent of classes are taught by faculty. Ball State had its smallest tuition increases in 41 years for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
