Education

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…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved the naming of the University’s Multicultural Center the Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center, in honor of two local civil rights icons. Both individuals made significant contributions to the University and the broader Muncie community, leaving legacies of education, advocacy, and service that continue to inspire. The Multicultural Center, which moved to a prominent new location in the heart…

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— MUNCIE, IN—Delta High School junior Ruth Sherck is all about sports, faith and family. Throughout her high school years, she’s been a three-sport athlete with soccer, basketball and track. This year, she’s missing basketball due to an injury. But that doesn’t mean she’s not busy….

By Jud Fisher and Trevor Friedeberg— MUNCIE, IN – It’s no secret that East Central Indiana faces notable challenges as it works to reinvent itself.  Like many other rust belt regions across the Midwest, we are tackling issues including population decline, workforce development gaps, and housing shortages. The transition from a heavy manufacturing-based economy requires not only new industries but also a shift in local identity. However, if there’s one thing East Central Indiana has proven time and again, it is…

Four inspiring graduates, who now also serve as dedicated staff members, share their journeys from associate degrees to advanced success. By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN– The Difference Makers series is a celebration of individuals who create meaningful, positive change within their communities and Ivy Tech, embodying the transformative power of education and perseverance. Each year, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County honors a unique group of extraordinary people whose stories inspire and uplift. This year’s series highlights an exceptional group of individuals…