Bowen Center for Public Affairs

Department of Political Science

Ball State University

Dr. Ray Scheele and Dr. Sally Jo Vasicko, Directors

The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University will advance the ideals of civic literacy, community involvement, and public service exemplified by the career of Dr. Otis R. Bowen.  The center will lead the way in Indiana toward an energized citizenry and vital community life, building on the 25-year commitment to civic literacy and community service of the Bowen Institute for Political Participation – one of the new center's three components.

• Bowen Institute for Political Participation: The institute is in its 26^th year and will be expanded by increasing enrollment at its annul meeting in Indianapolis.  Additional sessions for students and citizen leaders will be offered throughout the state.  The institute was recently recognized for it pioneering work in civic education with the presentation of the Earl T. Shinhoster Award by the Indiana NAACP.

• The Institute for Public Service will provide opportunities for the professionalization of Indiana state, county, and local officeholders and administrators through targeted training and certification programs.  These programs will feature best practice solutions to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of government services.

• The Bureau of Policy Research will conduct university-based, nonpartisan research to help identify current needs and respond to the research requirements of Hoosier leaders. 

• Co-Directors

• Former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson joins Ball State Faculty

The Indiana Certified Public Manager Program is a unique training opportunity for Indiana public managers and their supervisory personnel.

COMMUNITY
CONVERSATIONS
  2010

Purpose and Partners of Workshop 
Agenda, Areas of Focus and Post Meeting Followup
Application Process
Programs Supported in 2009 

THE INDIANA SURVEY-2008

In the first public policy survey conducted by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University, called the Indiana Survey-2008, Indiana residents identified their top priorities for state government action in the upcoming year. The Indiana Survey asked a random sample of Hoosiers to rank the policy priorities they wanted lawmakers to address in the upcoming session.  

Read more detailed information in the below reports: 

• Final Indiana Survey 2008
• Methodology Indiana Survey 2008
• Topline Results Indiana Survey 2008