Ball State University’s Meritorious Service Award recognizes employees who demonstrate excellence above and beyond the requirements of their position, exemplify quality work, and bring distinction to their departments.
Established in 1986, this award honors a select group of outstanding employees each year. Recipients are chosen by the vice presidents of their respective divisions after being nominated by supervisors or colleagues.
2025 Award Recipients
Congratulations to the 2025 Meritorious Service Award recipients:
- Melissa Gentry, Academic Affairs
- Lorna Manley, Business Affairs
- Lori Ricciardi, Enrollment Planning and Management
- Kari Huffman, Foundation
- Teresa (Terri) Breitung, Information Technology
- Jackie Mead, President's Office
- Christopher Sizelove, Student Affairs
Nominate Someone
Eligible staff employees must meet all of the following:
- Be a full-time staff employee (N1 - Non-Exempt Staff, E1 - Exempt Staff)
- Have been employed at Ball State for at least 2 years as of March 31st of that year
- Cannot be nominated for the A. Jane Morton Award in the same year
Regarding previous recipients:
- If the nominee moved to a new division, they are eligible again 2 years after receiving the award.
- If they stayed in the same division, they can be nominated again 5 years after receiving the award.
- Nominees must demonstrate outstanding job performance, dedication to their role, and continued personal growth (e.g., through training, education, or professional/public involvement).
- Know an employee who fits the criteria? Talk with your department chair or supervisor about sharing their name for consideration as a potential nominee.
- Award recipients are recognized with a brief presentation in their department or work area.
- Recipient names remain confidential until their award presentation.
- Once all presentations are complete, the Division for People and Culture will announce recipients in the Ball State Communications Center Digest.
- For questions, please contact Jennifer Keever, Employee Experience Manager.