Education

U.S. Department of Education grants final approval, capping a seven-year effort and formalizing Ross’s commitment to affordable, career-focused healthcare education By Adriana Caldare— MUNCIE, IN — Ross Education, which has trained healthcare professionals for more than 50 years, has announced that it has completed its conversion to a not-for-profit institution. On July 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education granted the final approval required, formally recognizing Ross as a nonprofit institution for federal student aid purposes. The Department’s approval concludes a process Ross began in 2019. Ross’s corporate parent converted to a Michigan nonprofit corporation in February 2021 and is…

$187,000+ Investment Delivers Inclusive Play Space for Students of All Abilities By Samuel Coffman— SELMA, IN—Liberty-Perry Schools Corporation celebrated the grand opening of a new wheelchair-accessible playground at Selma Elementary School on August 10 at 3:30 p.m. This marked the completion of a $187,000+ investment designed to ensure every student has a place to play, connect, and belong. “This playground reflects our commitment to ensuring every student feels welcomed, included, and valued,” said Superintendent Aaron Black. “Play is an important part of childhood, and every child deserves access to a space where they can learn, interact with their peers, and…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—  Andrea Streaty and Morgan Leckie have been selected as Muncie Community Schools’ 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, respectively, for primary and secondary grades. Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds presented each with awards during MCS’ “welcome back” staff event today at Muncie Central High School. Streaty is a third grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School who serves as the grade level team lead. She is also the student council sponsor and teaches in the school’s successful afterschool STEM club. “Andrea’s enthusiasm and creativity engages even the most challenging students,” Longfellow Principal Gerry…

Free annual program engages East Central Indiana middle and high school students through hands-on learning, local business partnerships, and career exploration. By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN —  Ivy Tech Community College recently hosted 28 area middle and high school students at the John and Janice Fisher Building for its annual STEM Camp. The free, five-day program provides local students with a dynamic, hands-on introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), empowering young women across Delaware County to explore technical fields in an engaging, supportive, and collaborative environment. “The reason I always come back is because everybody who comes to…

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN— Meridian Health Services, with support from presenting sponsor Ivy Tech, is hosting the Back-to-School Fit Fair on Tuesday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Southside Middle School located at 1601 E. 26th St., Muncie, IN 47302. This event is being held in conjunction with Muncie Community Schools’ registration day. The community and people of all ages are invited to the Back-to-School Fit Fair featuring:  FREE Health Fair & Fitness Zone including: Health screenings provided by Meridian Health Services Screenings include ADHD, blood pressure, dental, ear checks, flexibility, and mental health Food and…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University on Saturday celebrated its Summer 2026 graduates during the University’s 205th Commencement ceremony, held at Worthen Arena in Muncie. The University conferred approximately 1,200 degrees to graduates from its doctoral, specialist, master’s, and baccalaureate programs. In keeping with Ball State tradition, the Summer Commencement address is delivered by the recipient of the University’s Outstanding Faculty Award. This year’s speaker was Dr. Katherine Denker, professor and director of graduate studies in Ball State’s Department of Communication Studies, who received the 2025 Outstanding Faculty Award. Dr. Denker, who has served Ball State since…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University’s Teachers College has earned the 2026 Distinguished Educator Preparation Program Award from ISTE+ASCD, a national education organization formed by the International Society for Technology in Education and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The award recognizes educator preparation programs that are leading the transformation of teacher preparation by providing preservice teachers with opportunities to build their skills through technologically innovative practices while embracing collaboration, continuous professional learning, and equitable learning opportunities. Ball State Teachers College was recognized for its coordinated, college-wide approach to preparing future educators to use technology in purposeful, ethical,…