Ball State University’s Meritorious Service Award was started 40 years ago to recognize excellence among staff personnel. Recipients demonstrate excellence above and beyond the requirements of their position, exemplify quality work, and bring distinction to their individual departments as well as to Ball State University.
Each year, Ball State presents the Meritorious Service Award to a small group of excellent employees across campus. The recipients are selected by their respective divisions after being nominated by their supervisors or colleagues.
The 2026 recipients below exemplify the enduring value of excellence and bring distinction to their departments, as well as to Ball State!
2026 Award Recipients
Congratulations to the 2026 Meritorious Service Award recipients:
- Shawna Sewell, Academic Affairs
- Judy Stearns, Athletics
- Elizabeth Woodgett, Business Affairs
- Betsy Ison, Enrollment Planning and Management
- David Champe, Information Technology
- Deana Thornton, People & Culture
- Tony Davidson, Student Affairs
Nominate Someone
Eligible staff employees must meet all of the following:
- Be a full-time staff employee (N1 - Non-Exempt Staff, E1 - Exempt Staff)
- Have been employed at Ball State for at least 2 years as of March 31st of that year
- Cannot be nominated for the A. Jane Morton Award in the same year
Regarding previous recipients:
- If the nominee moved to a new division, they are eligible again 2 years after receiving the award.
- If they stayed in the same division, they can be nominated again 5 years after receiving the award.
- Nominees must demonstrate outstanding job performance, dedication to their role, and continued personal growth (e.g., through training, education, or professional/public involvement).
- Know an employee who fits the criteria? Talk with your department chair or supervisor about sharing their name for consideration as a potential nominee.
- Award recipients are recognized with a brief presentation in their department or work area.
- Recipient names remain confidential until their award presentation.
- Once all presentations are complete, the Division for People and Culture will announce recipients in the Ball State Communications Center Digest.
- For questions, please contact Jennifer Keever, Employee Experience Manager.