Ryan Family Scholars and Navigator Program

Historic Gift Creates Scholarship and Support Program

Michelle and Jim Ryan have established the Michelle A. and James T. Ryan Family Scholarship and the Ryan Family Navigators Program. These initiatives assist students from economically challenged backgrounds by providing financial assistance and comprehensive student support services to them. Recipients will express a commitment to addressing economic barriers that often impede meaningful educational opportunity for all students.

Ryan Family Scholars

The Michelle A. and James T. Ryan Family Scholarship cover all costs—including tuition, fees, and room and board—for approximately 16 Ryan Scholars over the next seven years. The Michelle A. and James T. Ryan Family Scholarship recipients are selected based on criteria established by the Ryan family in conjunction with Ball State Teachers College.

The current cohort of Ryan Family Scholars:

• Noah Baynum – Teacher Major, Mathematics
• Jasmin Cruz-Sanchez – Early Childhood Education Major, Teaching Eng Speakers Other Languages
• Andy Dominguez – Art Education Major
• Kathryn Doornbos – Elementary Education Major
• Camille Drummer – Early Childhood Education Major
• America Guzman – Elementary Education Major
• Jaslyn Hurt – Elementary Education Major
• Mya Johnson – Teaching Major, Physics
• Hannah Landrigan – Special Education, Exceptional Needs: K-12
• Grainger Maxwell – Special Education, Exceptional Needs: Mild intervention Major
• Ben Raymond – Teacher Major, English/Language Arts
• Cecilia Rosa-Carson – Elementary Education Major
• Janet Ruiz – Special Education, Exceptional Needs: Intense intervention Major
• Erika Shock – Special Education, Exceptional Needs: Intense intervention Major
• Camille Thompson-Ellis – Elementary Education Major
• Layah Vasquez – Early Childhood Education Major
• Candice Wilson – Art Education Major
• James Wilson – Music Education Major
• Kori York – Elementary Education Major

Ryan Family Navigator Program

In conjunction with The Michelle A. and James T. Ryan Family Scholarship, The Ryan Family Navigators Program serves as a hub for student support and provides comprehensive student services to all teaching majors, particularly those who are the first in their family to attend college and/or they have financially challenging backgrounds.

Current Services Offered:

• Student Success Coaching
• Academic, Career, and Personal Development Workshops
• Campus Resource Navigational Support

Students, faculty, and advisors should use the Ryan Family Navigators Referral Link to connect with program staff for services.

Ryan Family Navigator Program Staff 

Ryan Family Scholars Alumni