Adams will share experiences related to his NPR broadcasts this fall dealing with the working poor in America. His reports are heard periodically on NPR's news magazine "All Things Considered."

The free public talk is part of Ball State's Freshman Connections "Discussion on the Working Poor" series. Incoming freshmen previously read and discussed Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America." The Freshman Connections program encourages students to read a common book to create a shared learning experience, promote a sense of community and ease the students' transition into college.

Adams will also appear at a Dec. 1 event in Alexandria sponsored by Indiana Public Radio and Gaither Family Resources.

Adams and his wife, Neenah Ellis, will sign books from 2 to 4 p.m. at Gaither Family Resources on state Route 9 south of Alexandria. Featured will be Adams' latest book, "The Flyers: In Search of Wilbur and Orville Wright," and Ellis' book "If I Live to be 100: Lessons from the Centenarians."

Before becoming senior correspondent in April, Adams hosted "All Things Considered." In March 2002, the 28-year NPR veteran took a yearlong sabbatical from "All Things Considered" to write "The Flyers." He used family diaries and letters to illustrate the complex personalities and multiple talents of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Adams' visit marks the third time this fall that an NPR personality has appeared in Muncie. Juan Williams, an NPR senior news correspondent, spoke at Ball State's Small Cities Conference in September. Steve Inskeep, host of "Weekend All Things Considered," spoke to a Muncie audience in October.