The Office of Community Engagement builds bridges between Ball State University and communities beyond campus, with a priority on Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. We seek the most effective ways to advance community priorities through authentic partnerships, impactful anchor institution commitments, and sustained integration of engagement across teaching, research, and service.
Meet our Teams
Initiatives
Building Better Neighborhoods. Established in 2014 through a grant from the Ball Brothers Foundation, this initiative works to leverage university and community resources to build capacity and develop leadership in local neighborhoods.
East Central Indiana Talent Collaborative (ECITC). OCE serves as the backbone for the collaborative, a regional collective impact initiative created to improve talent attraction, talent development, and talent connection in partnership with more than 150 stakeholders with 19 coalitions in 9 ECI counties. ECITC is also home to the Training, Resource, & Advocacy Connector (TRAC) for childcare/early learning providers. Read the TRAC Strategic Plan (pdf).
Off-Campus Services:
Through the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, we provide lifelong learning spaces, services, and events.
E.B. & Bertha C. Ball Center East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center
On-Campus Collaboration
We work closely with:
The results? More engaged faculty and students, greater prosperity and well-being for residents, businesses, and organizations, and improved quality of life for all.
Strategic Partnerships:
Ball State proudly supports city, county, and regional initiatives that guide current and future development. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to connect with these strategic priorities. Every year we also honor a local organization for their excellent partnership in community-engaged learning experiences.
Inclusive Excellence Statement:
The Office of Community Engagement is committed to fostering an environment that values the intrinsic worth of all members of the Ball State community and those we serve. We will strive to accomplish our inclusive excellence goals by engaging our colleagues and community partners to fulfill the University’s mission and enduring values of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity, inclusiveness, social responsibility, and gratitude.