News from the Ball State University

Latest updates and stories from Ball State University.

Ball State University Blog

From timid to trailblazer—advocating through voice and visibility

When I first came to Ball State, I felt both excited and scared. As the youngest of four, I had always been known as someone’s younger sister. Now, I was going somewhere no one knew my older siblings, and I could finally be seen as my own person. I was excited to make new friends […]

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The Louie Awards, A Ball State Tradition, Honor Student Storytellers

People seated at tables facing a person at a podium with "Louie Awards 2026" banners in the background.

Each year, students across the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication (SJSC), housed within Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media, gather to celebrate the work they’ve spent months—sometimes years—bringing to life. Late-night newsroom deadlines, client pitches, and multimedia productions all lead to a single evening celebration: the Louie Awards, which were held […]

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The Teacher in the Lab: How Dr. Paul R. Errington’s Legacy Still Shapes Ball State

Dr. Paul R. Errington sits at a keyboard beside a computer terminal in a Ball State University lab, reflecting the hands-on electronics work and teaching that defined his 34-year career.

For some families, a parent’s workplace exists at a distance—a building you pass, a place you hear about, but rarely know. For the Errington family, it was something else entirely. At Ball State University, Dr. Paul R. Errington’s work was never confined neatly to office hours or classroom walls. His daughters spent time in the […]

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From vulnerable to visionary—embracing growth and inner strength

Portrait of Angel Esquivel Vazquez, with dark, curly hair smiling while crossing his arms and wearing a red long-sleeve shirt.

My time at Ball State has been defined by one realization: the most important tools for success are already within each person. When I arrived on campus, I was still recovering from open-heart surgery. In 2020, I had to confront a congenital heart condition that could have easily sidelined my ambitions. Navigating the rigorous demands […]

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Ball State Student Artist Turns Alumni Connection Into Paid Mural Commission

Three students stand and smile in front of an indoor mural that displays various large pink and red flowers with greenery

A live painting opportunity at Ball State University led to a paid mural commission for art student Taylor Woodruff—giving her hands-on professional experience and connecting her with two recent alumni in a meaningful way. In late 2025, Ms. Woodruff was selected as one of three student artists to showcase their work through live art experiences […]

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Ball State Sales Team Gains National Experience, Delivers Strong Results in Major Competitions

A group of 20 smiling adults, men and women, pose outdoors at night under a two-lamp streetlamp. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

Ball State University students are gaining hands-on experience and valuable industry connections through a strong year of competition for the Ball State Sales Team. Part of Ball State’s Center for Professional Selling in the Miller College of Business, the Sales Team gives students opportunities to test their skills in national collegiate competitions built around role-play, […]

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Dixie Denton Honored as Ball State’s Nominee for MAC Faculty Award

Dixie Denton, a woman with medium-length black hair smiles and poses while wearing a white and gray plaid jacket and a purple shirt.

Dixie Denton, senior lecturer in the Department of Elementary Education, was chosen as Ball State University’s nominee for the 2026 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success. She is among 13 finalists from institutions across the conference, representing Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts. The MAC award recognizes faculty who make […]

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From stressed to self-assured—growing beyond pressure

Portrait of Reo Horie, wearing a black t-shirt and gold necklace while smiling and crossing his arms.

As a college student at Ball State, I have faced numerous challenges. Transitioning from high school to college was just one of the big hurdles I, like most students, had to overcome. Going from thinking school was extremely easy to being tested and challenged every week was definitely something I had to adapt to if […]

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From displaced to determined—designing a future in business and beyond

Portrait of Viktoriia Burdiad, wearing glasses, a blue top, and yellow undershirt while smiling at the camera with a hand in her pocket.

I first heard about Ball State University through my host family. I came to the United States as a high school exchange student in 2021, expecting to stay for just one year. That year turned into four and counting because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. After my exchange year, I took a gap year […]

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From uncertain to unstoppable—finding confidence through leadership and research

A young woman with long brown hair wearing a black and red Ball State collared shirt, posing and smiling in front of a white backdrop.

My time at Ball State has exceeded my expectations. I was initially drawn here by the pre-medical program and the Foundational Sciences Building. On my first visit, I fell in love with the campus and knew I wanted to make this my home. I also knew it would come with challenges, because I’d be arriving […]

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