In discussions over the years since that first retreat, "A Different Dawn" has continued to play a role in how the work of faculty has been thought about and defined.  Implementation in the reward system, however, has been sporadic.

In light of the many advances we have made at Ball State and the promise of coming years, I suggested that we take a second look at the Boyer model and "A Different Dawn," and assigned the task of organizing to Dr. Jim Pyle, Assistant Vice President for Research.  Our College Deans and their respective Chairs then supplied the names of participants for the two-day retreat─in which nearly all departments were represented.

"A Different Dawn Revisited," as the retreat was aptly named, convened on Friday, February 17, 2006, and continued into the following day.  During the retreat, each of Boyer's four modes of scholarship was examined closely.  In keeping with the teacher- scholar model, it was agreed that the Scholarship of Discovery and the Scholarship of Teaching together constitute the primary expectations for Ball State faculty.  At the same time, the role of the Scholarship of Integration and the Scholarship of Application on campus offer much to complement and strengthen research, teaching, immersion, and entrepreneurialism.  For example, the Center for Media Design and the Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry are but two of many prominent examples of how integration can enhance student learning and faculty publication.  Programs such as Building Better Communities and Business Fellows carry Ball State expertise to the world beyond campus.

"A Different Dawn Revisited" participants strongly endorsed a greater inclusion of the Boyer model into our campus culture.  All four modes of scholarship offer the potential for providing an environment, led by a first-rate faculty, which will continue to produce students equipped to tackle the issues of the greater society well into the twenty-first century.  A group of "A Different Dawn Revisited" participants are currently working to bring the report of their discussions, findings, and efforts to the greater Ball State faculty and administration for further consideration.

A Different Dawn Revisited - pdf format, 128 pages