Ball State University

A Ball State University study was featured in a Jan. 12 Indianapolis Star article, "Advocates Want Ban on Smoking Broadened, Effort Would Make All Workplaces Smoke-free, Including Bars." Indianapolis is debating whether smoking should be restricted to protect public health. A 2007 Ball State study done for Smoke Free Indy found the smoking ban had no statistical impact on Marion County bar and restaurant sales or employment.

Michael Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research

The New York Times quoted Hicks in a Jan. 19 article, "As Economy Stalls, Fewer New Yorkers Moving out of State." New York lost fewer residents in 2007 and 2008 than during any year in at least a generation. Hicks said this recession is different in terms of migration. "In a typical recession, major job losses occur in a single sector that is concentrated in one part of the country," he said. "This recession seems to be in full force everywhere. That means if you lose your job in Indiana, New York or California, you cannot easily move somewhere else and find a job. Because of housing markets, and nearly simultaneous job losses around the country, domestic migration will be far less pronounced during this downturn than in previous recession."

Melinda Messineo, associate professor of sociology

WIBC-FM featured Messineo in a Jan. 19 broadcast, "Obama Inauguration Carries Symbolic Weight, First African-American President Could Shift Perceptions of Racial Possibilities." The inauguration of Barack Obama could mark a turning point in the way white Americans and African-Americans perceive race. Messineo said Obama's election does not mean racial discrimination is extinct. There's a risk people will conclude those battles over.
 
Tom Taylor, vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications

Business Wire quoted Taylor in a Jan. 13 article, "Sitecore Recognizes Ball State University as Sitecore Site of the Year for North America." Sitecore is the leading provider of .net Web content management system (CMS) software and named Ball State as the North American Sitecore Site of the Year. Ball State chose Sitecore to launch and manage its 220+ Web sites. Since the launch, Ball State has won four awards. "Sitecore has been invaluable as we reposition Ball State," said Taylor. "More than window-dressing, the Web re-launch is a perfect example of our commitment toa distinctive and consistent brand experience for our students. Sitecore's features and flexibility allow content contributors across campus to engage and actively participate while providing the tools needed to ensure the brand message and experience remaining clear and consistent across the site. For the online component of repositioning our brand, nothing could be more important."