President Mearns shakes student's hand

Muncie Community Schools Partnership

On behalf of Ball State, President Mearns accepted the opportunity to lead an innovative, community-wide partnership to improve the educational experiences for all children in Muncie. Results of the partnership—which began in Spring 2018—have ushered in numerous positive changes, proving that a university can serve as a catalyst to support its local public schools.

Learn About The Partnership

President Mearns speaking at Fall Convocation

Strategic Plan

Inspired by the vision and courage of Ball State’s founders, President Mearns unveiled the University’s new strategic plan, Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, in 2019. This plan includes five long-term goals, each accompanied by a smaller number of strategic imperatives.

THe Strategic Plan

Rendering of Village

Village Revitalization

President Mearns has significantly advanced the University’s longstanding efforts to revitalize The Village, the commercial district located adjacent to campus. This effort is a collaborative undertaking of many stakeholders, with Ball State serving as the lead partner.

See THe Revitalization plan

President Mearns at podium for event

"Our Call To Beneficence" Campaign

To empower students, support faculty and staff, and enrich the community, President Mearns publicly launched “Our Call to Beneficence”—the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign in University history—in Fall 2023.

Learn About the Campaign

Arial view of amphitheater and campus

Campus Master Plan

In 2021, President Mearns approved the University’s updated campus master plan, which aligns with the University’s strategic plan, Destination 2040: Our Flight Path. This updated master plan transforms Ball State’s ambitious goals for the future into physical form.

Our Campus Master Plan