Miller College of Business Calendar

Jens Molbak is a social and business entrepreneur, the founder & former CEO of COINSTAR; and the founder & CEO of the nonprofit, New Impact. He will talk about innovative new tools and new business models that support sustainable development.

Economics provides a powerful toolset of skills that are in high demand in a wide variety of settings. Being sought for these skills can be a double-edged sword, inviting passionate criticism alongside praise and inviting you to other parties’ squabbles. This talk describes some of the unique challenges of economics as rhetoric in the public policy space. Special emphasis will be placed on the forms of communication used by new graduates and the delivery of economic analysis through public presentations and “one-page memos.”

Ball State University’s Entrepreneurship Center and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute are joining forces to bring campus and community members together to highlight local entrepreneurial activity. Our inaugural Innovation Fest will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 4-7 PM in the L. A. Pittenger Student Center’s Ballroom. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a student eager to explore opportunities, or a community member invested in the future of entrepreneurial behaviors, Innovation Fest is your launchpad for inspiration and collaboration. Visitors will be given E-Bucks to “vote” on their favorite idea. In addition to youth, community and campus innovators, we will be highlighting some of Ball State’s most innovative programs.

Ready to have fun and relax? Look no further than the Miller College of Business Spring Carnival hosted by the Dean's Student Advisory Council. Hang out with us on April 4th from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. on University Green and play games, network, and play volleyball. All students are welcome including newly admitted students for next year. We hope to see you there!

For more than 20 years James Rooney has developed, launched, and led social impact and sustainability strategies and initiatives for domestic and international companies. James currently serves as the first head of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy for Olo, a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform for the restaurant industry. Before that, James was the first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leader for Dick’s Sporting Goods, the first Executive Director for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation, and spent nearly a decade with Microsoft Philanthropies where he lead a variety of global technology, humanitarian response, and community programs. James graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelors of Arts in English and a minor in Journalism and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. He also holds a Sustainable Business Certificate from Presidio Graduate School and an Impact Reporting & Measurement for the SDGs Certificate from Duke University.

Jennifer Wiese is a mother of four boys with dietary needs. When her eldest son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 8, she discovered that following a gluten- and casein-free diet helped him be a happier, thriving little boy. The hitch was that the gluten-free foods available on grocery store shelves were dry, bland, and very expensive. Jennifer started BeeFree in January 2010 from the desire to feed her kids foods that fit their dietary needs and still tasted great. BeeFree is committed to bringing great tasting treats to anyone while sticking to their gluten, grain, and dairy-free standards. BeeFree is owned and operated in Noblesville, IN and can now be found on Amazon and in grocery stores around the nation.

The Miller College of Business 20th Annual Alumni Awards is a highly anticipated event that brings together alumni. Join us on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Alumni Center for an exciting celebration, recognition, and networking day.

Michael Shebek is a Ball State graduate and former standout pitcher for the school's baseball team. Leveraging the skills and discipline he learned at Ball State, Michael went on to become the CEO of multiple U.S.-based companies, including Automatic Pool Covers, Inc. and Cover Care, LLC. In 2000, he acquired Automatic Pool Covers and spearheaded a transformative strategic change that resulted in a remarkable 30-fold revenue increase over the next 25 years, and revolutionized the industry in the process. Michael is a firm believer that when you identify a problem, you might be the first to discover a solution. He shares his approach to problem-solving with a solution-oriented mindset, demonstrating how entrepreneurs can seize opportunities and drive innovation.

Entering its 40th year, the week-long course—the official “basic course” for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification—offers intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and community development. It is a comprehensive educational experience in the theory and practice of holistic approaches to building and sustaining vibrant communities. Upon successful completion, participants join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni serving their communities, counties, regions, and states in capacities ranging from local economic development officials, community developers, consultants, and elected officials.

Entering its 40th year, the week-long course—the official “basic course” for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification—offers intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and community development. It is a comprehensive educational experience in the theory and practice of holistic approaches to building and sustaining vibrant communities. Upon successful completion, participants join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni serving their communities, counties, regions, and states in capacities ranging from local economic development officials, community developers, consultants, and elected officials.

Entering its 40th year, the week-long course—the official “basic course” for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification—offers intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and community development. It is a comprehensive educational experience in the theory and practice of holistic approaches to building and sustaining vibrant communities. Upon successful completion, participants join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni serving their communities, counties, regions, and states in capacities ranging from local economic development officials, community developers, consultants, and elected officials.

Entering its 40th year, the week-long course—the official “basic course” for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification—offers intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and community development. It is a comprehensive educational experience in the theory and practice of holistic approaches to building and sustaining vibrant communities. Upon successful completion, participants join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni serving their communities, counties, regions, and states in capacities ranging from local economic development officials, community developers, consultants, and elected officials.

Entering its 40th year, the week-long course—the official “basic course” for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification—offers intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and community development. It is a comprehensive educational experience in the theory and practice of holistic approaches to building and sustaining vibrant communities. Upon successful completion, participants join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni serving their communities, counties, regions, and states in capacities ranging from local economic development officials, community developers, consultants, and elected officials.