Cardinal Compass: Campus & Community Conversations

For many years, Ball State’s Athletics Department has empowered student-athletes to become servant leaders committed to improving the lives of the university’s friends and neighbors. President Geoffrey Mearns has a conversation with Jeff Mitchell, director of Ball State Athletics, and Keionte Newson, a Ball State football player about how Cardinals serve the community.

We take a look at some highlights from the past academic year, including how Ball State students with disabilities thrive before and after graduating, a transformation of The Village with a new performing arts center and hotel, and how Studio 165 Plus highlights Ball State's immersive learning programs. 

In 2019, Ball State University converted a former elementary school into an innovative childcare facility. Today, the Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center serves families across east central Indiana. Janette Stanley, director of youth development for the YMCA, and Jennifer Young, an associate lecturer at Ball State join President Mearns to discuss how the center has become a tangible example of success for the community.

Studio 165+ is a team of student designers who enhance their skills by serving the community. Join President Geoffrey Mearns for a conversation with Assistant Professor Shantanu Suman, instructor of Studio 165+, and Heather Williams, program manager for Building Better Neighborhoods, as they discuss how students are helping design a prosperous future for area organizations.

Ball State students and faculty are helping keep the community heart healthy through a unique partnership with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation.  On the next Cardinal Compass, President Geoffrey Mearns is joined by Tonya Skalon, senior lecturer in the School of Kinesiology, and Katrina Riggin, manager of East Central Region Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, to explore how students are helping patients recover from cardiac events or procedures.

To help Ball State University empower students, support faculty and staff, and enrich communities, the university will raise more than $350 million during a comprehensive fundraising campaign. President Geoffrey Mearns is joined by Mark Helmus, chief advancement officer for the Ball State University Foundation, and graduate Jill Lacy, president of the Lacy Foundation, as they discuss why Ball State is encouraging graduates and friends to answer the "Call to Beneficence."

For several years, Ball State University has been developing a plan to revitalize the Village, the area adjacent to BSU’s campus. President Geoffrey Mearns has a conversation with Randy Ruttenberg, founder of Fairmount Properties, and Greg Schahet, president of Schahet Hotels, to hear about the progress on the collective efforts to make this commercial district a more vibrant amenity for campus and the community.

Accessibility has been a long-standing commitment at Ball State University. On this episode of Cardinal Compass President Geoffrey Mearns is joined by Courtney Jarrett, Director of Disability Services and Larry Markle, Director of the Fehribach Center. They discuss how Ball State excels at serving students with disabilities and preparing them for jobs after they graduate.

Ball State’s mission is to prepare our students for fulfilling careers. On the next episode of Cardinal Compass, President Mearns will be joined by two guests who will discuss how students’ career interests have led them to the state legislature. Please join him and Becca Rice, Ball State’s Vice President for Governmental Relations and Halley Kissel, a Ball State student and statehouse intern. 

In 2002, Muncie's AWAKEN organization was founded with the goal of providing educational opportunities, vocational training, and healthcare to women and children in Afghanistan. Bibi Bahrami, president and founder of AWAKEN, and Joann McKinney, president of the Refugee Alliance of Delaware County join President Mearns to discuss how our community is now helping refugees make Muncie their new home.