Welcome to the Business Fellows program!  At Ball State we are "Turning Academic Knowledge into Business Solutions" through an innovative program putting Ball State faculty and student expertise into action to benefit Indiana organizations and communities across the state.

Funded by the Lilly Endowment, the Business Fellows program consists of teams of faculty mentors and students working directly with Indiana businesses and organizations to engage in problem-based projects.  The goals of Business Fellows projects are to assist the partner organizations directly in improving services, increasing business, developing new job opportunities, improving quality, or improving competitiveness.

Program Goals

The overall goal of the Business Fellows program is to provide opportunities for students to turn academic knowledge into business solutions and to gain needed experience in working directly in business settings. The program is designed to create new business connections for students in a wide variety of disciplines—including the liberal arts—to increase the potential for employment for these students in Indiana, to provide professional field experience for students, and to increase the number of Ball State graduates who are employed in Indiana.

Role of Faculty

Faculty play an important role in the Business Fellows program.  Each faculty mentor directs a team of students as they work on a problem-based project for an Indiana company or organization.  Faculty mentors receive stipends for a summer project-planning seminar and for each semester of the project.

Benefits for Faculty

• Putting research into action

• Applying knowledge and expertise in a business or community setting

• Strengthening project management and leadership skills

• Mentoring a group of hard-working students

• Playing a role in building Indiana's economy

• Shaping Indiana's future through student development

Submit a Proposal

Faculty members interested in the Business Fellows program can submit proposals that meet the designated criteria. Enclosed in this packet is a checklist that will help you evaluate potential projects; it outlines expectations for participants.  The packet also includes guidelines for submitting a proposal.  Proposals are due to Nicole Feldhues, project manager, by March 2, 2007.  If you have questions or need assistance with your proposal call Nicole at 285-2427.

Business Fellows Projects 2007-2008