Bob Jonason earned his bachelor's degree from Ball State University in 1980 majoring in Journalism with a Business minor.  Upon graduation Bob went to work for The News-Sentinel in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 1980 to 1987.  During this time he held positions as reporter, copy editor, pop music critic, Page One editor, Assistant Sports Editor, and Design Editor.  A highlight of his time at The News-Sentinel was being on the staff that won the Pulitzer Price for Local Reporting in 1983 for chronicling the city's heroic efforts against a devastating flood.

In 1987 Bob moved to Philadelphia to be the Assistant News Editor of The Inquirer, one of the largest daily newspapers in the country and was promoted to Deputy News Editor in 1991.   In 1995 Bob was selected to be on the launch team of phillynews.com, the paper's web site.  His involvement with the Web led to his return to Indiana in 1999 to become general manager of the Electronic News and Information department of the Indianapolis Star.  In 2000 Bob was promoted to Director of Online Services overseeing a staff of 18.  Just recently Bob moved into the newsroom to become Director of Digital Operations.

Bob and his wife, Patty, have been married for 23 years and reside in Indianapolis.  They have twin daughters, Amy and Christine, who are both juniors in college.

Bob is able to return to campus often for football and basketball games and is a member of the Journalism Alumni Society and the National Philanthropy Council. 

When asked about his time at Ball State, Bob says "I felt at home at Ball State from the moment I first stepped foot on campus as a high school junior attending a journalism workshop, and I still do when I visit today.  The university has a small-college feel while offering a wealth of opportunities.  The faculty took a personal interest in my education, pushing me to achieve excellence."  He adds that "my experience on student publications, especially the Daily News, provided a valuable real-life foundation for a professional career in journalism."

Bob encourages all alumni to return to campus, get involved, and "be a part of a university on the move."

If you would like to be considered for Alumni Spotlight, submit the online sign-up form and someone will contact you.