Office of The President

In his first year as president, President Mearns launches his "Better Together" initiative, sponsoring a series of public forums to discuss how the University and community can partner together, in a cooperative and collaborative way, to grow and thrive. At Ball State, President Mearns participates in a months-long series of informal campus tours. Over the course of 30-plus hours that first year, he visits more than 50 buildings and more than 250 offices and departments.

Under President Mearns’ leadership, and with approval from the Board of Trustees, Ball State accepts responsibility to appoint a new school board to administer the Muncie Community Schools. In the years that follow, the innovative partnership results in many positive outcomes, including stabilized enrollment, increased pay for teachers and staff, and investments in new and renovated facilities.

President Mearns presides over a formal ceremony in Emens Auditorium to kick off a year-long celebration of the University’s 100th anniversary. The highlight of the evening is the premiere of the student-produced documentary, “From Normal to Extraordinary: Ball State’s First Century,” followed by a fireworks display over campus.

President Mearns unveils the University’s new strategic plan, Destination 2040: Our Flight Path. The plan establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for its second century. The plan was informed by an extensive, consultative strategic planning process which involved faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and many of the University’s generous benefactors.

On October 18, President Mearns delivers remarks at the ribbon cutting of the new Health Professions Building, home to the University’s College of Health. The building represents the first completed phase of a $210 million investment in our University by the state of Indiana. The second and third phases include the new Foundational Sciences Building and renovations to the Cooper Science Building.

President Mearns displays sound vision, judgment, and agility in his leadership of the University throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with his March 16 decision to suspend in-person classes for the remaining Spring 2020 semester. The University enforces a series of additional safety protocols in the years to come.

The Board of Trustees authorizes President Mearns to sign a memorandum of understanding with Fairmount Properties, a private development firm, to advance an ambitious plan to revitalize The Village.

At a September 19 ribbon cutting ceremony, President Mearns praises Charlie Brown for his contributions that made possible the successful completion of the University’s Brown Family Amphitheater. The ceremony is followed by a concert featuring the Ball State Jazz Ensemble and vocalist Tatum Langley, a 2021 graduate.

During an October 20 gala at the Student Recreation Center, President Mearns publicly launches “Our Call to Beneficence,” the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign in the University’s history. The campaign’s $350 million fundraising goal builds upon Ball State’s ongoing successes to achieve the goals articulated in the strategic plan.

At a November 14 ribbon cutting ceremony, President Mearns joins a campus audience for the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the Performing Arts Center and Cantio Hotel. The completion of these two buildings in 2026 will create a new premier entertainment venue and boutique hotel for the University and the community—and make The Village a more vibrant destination for people from all across the region.