Topics: Alumni, Administrative

June 29, 2009

On behalf of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Ball State University, the Board of Trustees salutes with deep appreciation a dedicated and conscientious public servant, Thomas J. Kinghorn.

Twice a graduate of Ball State with degrees in business administration and management, Tom Kinghorn has served his alma mater with dedication, determination, passion, fortitude, and affection for 43 years. His contributions in a variety of posts, most notably as Vice President for Business Affairs since 1980, literally have reshaped Ball State from a respected teachers college in the Midwest into a national model for a world-class university in the 21st century.

Nine presidents have benefited from the able assistance and advice of Tom Kinghorn, who early in his career was the university's trusted eyes and ears at the Indiana General Assembly and elsewhere within the walls of the Statehouse, experience that proved valuable as he later assumed overall responsibility for Ball State's relations with both state and federal government representatives and agencies.

As a key member of the president's cabinet and a leader of facilities, financial, and budgetary affairs, he has guided the university through many stages of growth. In addition to the beautification of McKinley Avenue, under Tom Kinghorn's leadership since 1980, more than 15 new facilities have been built on campus and another 26 have been renovated. Newly constructed buildings include the Alumni Center; Art and Journalism, Ball Communication, Robert Bell, David Letterman Communication and Media, and Music Instruction buildings; Park Hall; Shafer Tower; and Worthen Arena. Renovated facilities include Ball Honors House, DeHority Complex, L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Scheumann Stadium, and Woodworth Commons.

Under Tom Kinghorn's leadership, the university has put its commitment to the environment in action by ensuring new construction on campus meets LEED-certified eligibility standards for sustainability. He also initiated our geothermal energy conversion project that promises to reduce the university's carbon footprint by roughly half while saving the university millions of dollars in long-term operating costs. During his watch, Ball State has defined itself as a university that finds bold solutions to the challenges of environmental responsibility.

Tom Kinghorn's most impressive and far-reaching legacy, however, may be his fiscal management. His prudent approach has fostered an environment that afforded Ball State the resources needed to create new colleges and expand academic programs as needed in support of the university's mission. And his success in creating a quality employee benefits package, including offering TIAA-CREF as a retirement option, has helped the university compete for and retain talented faculty as well as enhance the quality of life for thousands of Ball State employees past, present, and future. His efforts promoting wellness, as well as those enhancing our insurance options, have made Ball State a more congenial employer.

In like fashion, civic and charitable groups in Delaware County and across Indiana also have gained from Tom Kinghorn's sense of service, among them the United Way of Delaware County, Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Cardinal Health Ventures, Cardinal Health Alliance, Professor Garfield Foundation, and TechPoint.

For longevity alone, the Ball State community owes Tom Kinghorn its thanks. For his dynamic leadership, outstanding performance, and unwavering devotion to the university, its mission, and students, he deserves our enduring gratitude.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Trustees of Ball State University that the North Residence Hall currently under construction and scheduled for occupancy in the fall of 2010 shall hereafter be named Thomas J. Kinghorn Hall, recognizing Tom Kinghorn and his advocacy for the university, his role in shaping this beautiful campus, and his visionary fiscal stewardship.

Be it further resolved that this citation be included in the minutes of the Board of Trustees this twenty-sixth day of June, two thousand and nine.