Education

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — In 2018, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) and Ball State University embarked on a groundbreaking partnership, creating a national model for collaboration between a public university and a public school system. This innovative alliance began amidst significant challenges, as MCS faced financial crisis and declining enrollment. Since then, the district has made remarkable strides in reimagining its future with the support of Ball State, the local community, and dedicated funders like Ball Brothers Foundation. Hear…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Two representatives of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education will be the guest speakers for a joint meeting of the Muncie Branch of the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and wrap up no later than noon on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Motivate Our Minds Learning Center, 2023 E. Highland Ave., Muncie. The topic…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University’s Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center has announced the schedule of events for its annual Unity Week, which kicks off on Monday, Jan. 20, the official observance of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. “Unity Week is a call to spark meaningful conversations and connections that bridge differences and build community,” said Gabrielle Lloyd, director of the Multicultural Center. “This year’s theme, ‘Ignite to Unite,’ emphasizes the…

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football coach Mike Uremovich has announced the enrollment of 25 new student-athletes who have arrived on campus and begun taking classes in the Spring 2025 semester. The first class of student-athletes to arrive under Uremovich’s watch includes 15 transfers, five mid-year freshman enrollees who signed with the Cardinals in December, and five grayshirt student-athletes who delayed their enrollment after signing with Ball State a year ago. The impressive list of transfers…

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Manufacturing and Ivy Tech Community College’s WorkMatters program have announced an exciting new collaboration aimed at enhancing the local Advanced Manufacturing and Technology sector. The initiative will focus on fostering stronger industry-education partnerships, preparing students for high-wage, in-demand careers in manufacturing and technology. As part of the partnership, Stephen Brand will join Ivy Tech’s School of Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science team as a mentor and liaison between local industry and education. Brand, who brings…

By BSU Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Three prominent leaders from Ball State University—Rick Hall, chair of the Board of Trustees; Mike McDaniel, board secretary; and President Geoffrey S. Mearns—this week were awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors, by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. The Sagamore of the Wabash, created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates (1945–49), recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the state or significant contributions to its heritage. Recipients have included…

Bearcats will play first competitive events this month By Andy Klotz, APR, MCS Chief Communications Officer— MUNCIE, IN – Zach Houser has been “gaming” competitively since he was 13 years old. Now, the third-year Latin and English teacher at Muncie Central High School is about to make history as the first coach of the school’s eSports team. “I have a really deep personal passion for eSports,” Houser said. “It’s a way I’ve met a lot of my friends. It’s just…

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— MUNCIE, IN—Attending the same school from kindergarten through 12th grade is bound to create strong emotions of either love or hate. Burris Laboratory School senior Abe Arthur falls into the love category. “The Burris community just feels like my family,” he said. “It’s all my friends…

By Hesham Allam, PhD, MBA/MIS — MUNCIE, IN—At Ball State University, cutting-edge technology is transforming the classroom experience. A local professor is using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict student grades and improve learning outcomes, offering a glimpse into the future of education. By analyzing early semester data such as quizzes, attendance, and class discussions, the AI system provides a detailed view of how students are likely to perform in the course. “The AI gives us a powerful tool to identify…