Education

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE,IN—Ivy Tech Community College Muncie is proud to recognize Ashley Slaven and Thrive Credit Union as recipients of the Ivy Tech Foundation’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award and Benefactor of the Year honors, respectively. Both were recognized during a statewide celebration in Indianapolis on September 25. Slaven was honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, the College’s highest honor for alumni achievement. The award recognizes graduates who have made a lasting impact on their professions, communities, and Ivy Tech through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. Slaven, a graduate of Ivy Tech’s Business Administration program at the Muncie…

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— COWAN, IN—For senior Brysen Huggins, his time at Cowan Junior/Senior High School has been about sports, leadership and academics. Huggins has been on the baseball team throughout all four years of high school and on the basketball team for two years. During his freshman year, Huggins was asked to be on the Student Athletic Leadership Team, of which he’s been a part throughout high school….

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—There is encouraging news in the latest data on children in Delaware County, but some of the numbers also show why local educators and youth advocates say their work cannot stop at the classroom door. The 2026 Muncie State of the Child data overview, presented by the Indiana Youth Institute last week, shows that 96.6 percent of Delaware County children have health insurance, above Indiana’s 94.1 percent. The county also ranks among the state’s strongest for access to primary-care physicians and mental-health providers, with one mental-health provider for every 296 residents. IYI researchers presented the 2026…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—Recent projects from Ball State University’s Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA) Lab are creating new ways to explore Muncie’s past—reflecting IDIA Lab’s ongoing use of digital technology to make local history more accessible to researchers, students, and the community. During ArtsWalk on Oct. 1, visitors to downtown Muncie can experience one of those projects through Echoes of Muncie, an augmented reality experience featuring five historic buildings as they once appeared. The experience allows users to view 3D digital reconstructions of the Wysor Grand Opera House, the historic Wysor Building, the old Delaware County Courthouse, and…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University will celebrate the official opening of its new Center for Innovation and Collaboration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the corner of Martin Street and Ashland Avenue in Muncie. The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available on the fourth floor of the McKinley Avenue Parking Garage. Guests are asked to RSVP to the Office of the President at rsvp@bsu.edu. Following the ceremony, guests will have an opportunity to explore the new facility, its technology, and the work already underway inside the…

By Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary, House Republicans— STATEHOUSE– Delaware County schools recently received nearly $465,000 from Indiana’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to State Reps. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). Rowray said the program, which was established through legislation the General Assembly passed in 2013, provides matching grants to school corporations, accredited non-public schools and charter schools to help pay for critical safety improvements. “These grants are an example of how state resources can support priorities identified at the local level,” Rowray said. “I’m glad to see Eastern Indiana schools receiving additional funding they can use…

By BSU Athletics— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State opens its home football schedule this Saturday, with Scheumann Stadium primed to showcase new entertainment and safety features for fans and students attending this year’s games. From the time tailgate lots open four hours prior to kickoff – and Charlie Town opens two-and-a-half hours before kick – a new level of engagement is coming to Cardinals’ football games in 2026. The Ball State team arrives to the stadium and takes part in the Cardinal Walk with alumni, students and fans exactly two hours and 15 minutes before each game – 11:45 a.m., in advance…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—Looking for ways to give back to your community? Stop by the Ball State Faculty/Staff & Community Volunteer Fair 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Ball State’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Meet representatives from over 20 local organizations, learn about volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and schedule, and connect directly with organizations doing great work in our community. Why should YOU volunteer? It’s good for your health! Volunteering locally strengthens your personal well-being by reducing stress, boosting happiness, and helping you forge deep, meaningful connections with your neighbors. It’s good for your community!It directly uplifts your…