MUNCIE, Ind. -- The journalism graphics program at Ball State University and the Philadelphia Inquirer have established a joint program for the development of learning, teaching and practice of graphic journalism.

The Cardinal Scholars program represents a more than $12,000 investment in the journalism graphics program by the Inquirer. It involves the selection of a journalism graphics student to participate in a 10-week internship and the placement of a graphics faculty member in a six-week fellowship position with the paper.

Senior Kevin Burkett of Logansport, selected by the journalism faculty, is the first intern in the new partnership. Instructor Michael Price, the first recipient of the faculty fellowship, will work for the Inquirer art department this summer.

The Inquirer also will provide a professional-in-residence each year to the Department of Journalism. The visiting professional will spend two to three days on campus making presentations regarding Inquirer projects and philosophies, visiting classes and conducting portfolio reviews.

"We're very proud to be working with The Philadelphia Inquirer," said Marilyn Weaver, acting chair of the Department of Journalism. "It will be an excellent learning opportunity for our students, and I feel the journalism department and the Inquirer will both profit from this partnership."

David Milne, assistant managing editor for design at the Inquirer, said he was happy with the new relationship between the newspaper and the Ball State journalism department.

"I'm extremely pleased with the partnership," Milne said. "The journalism graphics program is excellent, and what the Daily News is doing with graphics is just tremendous."