We Fly

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…

By: Ball State University— Muncie, IN — The Ball State University Board of Trustees passed a resolution today to accept the responsibility to appoint a new school board to manage the Muncie Community Schools (“MCS”). The community is already showing its support by collaborating with Ball State to help MCS thrive. Rick Hall, chair of the Board of Trustees, noted that this is the first time a public university has assumed such a responsibility for local public schools. “Ball State…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN – During today’s Spring Commencement ceremony, Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns told the Class of 2018 to always remember the core values they learned from the University’s Beneficence Pledge. From the stage of the Arts Terrace on the Old Quad, the president also urged the 3,300 graduates to serve their neighbors, commit themselves to a life of excellence and to serve others. “But, always remember that professional success and personal satisfaction require more…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN – Entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert G. Hunt, a 1969 graduate of Ball State, will give the University’s main address May 5, 2018 at Spring Commencement. Hunt, who also will be awarded an honorary doctorate will speak during the ceremonies. Commencement begins at 10 a.m. on the Old Quad. Hunt is chairman emeritus of Hunt Construction Group, which was established by his grandfather. The company, now known as AECOM Hunt, is recognized as one of the…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN – Ball State University has selected Dr. Paaige K. Turner as the new dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media. The former associate dean of the School of Communications at Webster University begins July 15 at Ball State, replacing Roger Lavery, who is retiring. “We believe that Paaige is an excellent addition to the University and the College of Communication, Information, and Media,” said Marilyn M. Buck, interim provost and interim executive vice…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—The next chapter for Indiana’s forests may be based on the need by Hoosiers for more outdoor space for recreation, says Ron Morris, a Ball State University history professor and co-editor with public historian Glory-June Greiff of a new book, “The History of Indiana State Forests.” The hardback book, which contains 144 full-color photographs by Glory-June Greiff, is the first of its kind, examining the history of Indiana’s state forests. Its analysis draws upon interdisciplinary material…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—A group of Ball State University students are working to bring the history of the Delphi Opera House and the Indiana community that surrounds it to life with the creation of an exhibit at the 153-year-old facility. The students created this space by working with historical artifacts found at the site, providing context through historical research and writing, and filming interviews to display within the museum space. The exhibition is being produced by Ball State students…

By: Jillian Wilschke— Muncie, IN — One week it might be salsa, the next it could be jazz, but youngsters at local elementary schools are learning about the art of dancing, thanks to the efforts of students like Ball State University’s Ella Donovan. “My favorite part about the project are moments during class when a child genuinely is excited about what we are learning,” said Donovan, a dance major from Crested Butte, Colorado. “That is when the little ones begin smiling uncontrollably…

By: Marc Ransford— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University’s Board of Trustees voted on March 30th to move forward with a new $18 million parking garage as part of a long-term plan to develop a new East Mall and make the campus friendlier to pedestrians and cyclists. During the meeting, the Trustees approved the scope, budget and design of the New York Avenue Parking Structure. Construction of the new garage, which will be adjacent to Studebaker Complex on the eastern…