Central leadership at Ball State is a collaborative effort between President Geoffrey Mearns and the University’s Board of Trustees. They provide overall strategic direction and policy making for the institution with support and assistance from the President's Cabinet and other area, college, department, and unit administrators across the campus.

Three elected legislative bodies provide recommendations and counsel to the university’s leadership on behalf of students and employees:

  • University Senate focuses on educational policy and institutional policies affecting faculty, professional personnel, and students
  • Staff Council addresses policies affecting staff personnel and service personnel affiliated with staff personnel
  • Student Government Association develops policies reflecting student interests on a wide range of campus issues