Ball State University today, in conjunction with Ball State Day at the Statehouse, officially launched its new STEM Education Center, creating a dedicated hub for advancing STEM teaching and learning across Indiana.
The STEM Education Center’s mission is to expand access to high-quality STEM instruction, grow the pipeline of future STEM teachers, and position Ball State as a state and national leader in STEM education. The center will serve as a central point for youth programs, school and community partnerships, and faculty-led research, creating pathways that connect students—from elementary through college—with meaningful STEM experiences.
The center is housed in Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities and was developed through collaboration between Dr. Richard Petts, associate dean in the college, Dr. Andrew Gatza, the center’s director, and Ball State’s Teachers College.
“Indiana and the nation are facing a real shortage of qualified STEM teachers, and the STEM Education Center is designed to be part of the solution,” Dr. Gatza said. “This center brings together the people, partnerships, and research that already exist across Ball State—and gives us a stronger structure to expand what works: hands-on learning experiences for young students, support for teachers and schools, and a clear pathway that helps more Ball State students see themselves as future STEM educators.”
Among the center’s core goals are increasing the number of future STEM educators, strengthening collaborations with K-12 schools and community partners, and advancing STEM education scholarship that informs teaching practice and benefits classrooms across Indiana. Planned and ongoing initiatives include programs such as summer STEM camps, family STEM nights, and professional development workshops for educators, along with work to redesign teacher preparation to emphasize hands-on learning, classroom innovation, and mentorship.
“Ball State has long been committed to preparing educators and building partnerships that strengthen communities,” said Becca Rice, vice president for governmental relations and industry engagement. “As Indiana continues to focus on addressing the STEM teacher shortage, the STEM Education Center positions Ball State to help lead—with stronger talent pipelines, deeper partnerships with schools, and research-informed approaches that translate into real classroom impact. This is the kind of work that supports students, employers, and local economies across our state.”
The STEM Education Center also supports an interdisciplinary network of faculty affiliates and working groups focused on STEM education research, with an emphasis on securing external funding, publishing scholarship, and connecting research to classroom practice. Dr. Gatza, an associate professor of mathematical sciences, brings expertise in mathematics education research focused on classroom practices and developing learning environments that support student reasoning and engagement.
For more information or partnership inquiries, community members, educators, and students may contact Dr. Gatza at amgatza@bsu.edu.