Ball State University has announced a partnership with Land Betterment Corporation, a certified B-Corp dedicated to repurposing former coal mining and industrial sites into sustainable community assets.
This collaboration provides graduate students in the University’s Communication Consultation and Environmental Storytelling courses with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while contributing to innovative, environmentally focused initiatives.
As part of the partnership, students will work with Land Betterment and its portfolio company, ekō Solutions, to develop strategies for improving communication and media engagement. This immersive learning experience emphasizes Ball State’s mission of preparing students for meaningful careers while advancing sustainability and innovation.
"It is a privilege and a pleasure for our graduate students to work with such an innovative and principled organization,” said Dr. Laura O’Hara, professor of communication studies and associate chair of Ball State’s Department of Communication Studies. “This project merges Ball State's commitment to providing students with meaningful immersive learning experiences in professional settings with our commitment to environmental sustainability."
Kirk Taylor, co-founder and president of Land Betterment, noted the mutual benefits of the project.
“This partnership is an incredible opportunity to bridge academia and industry,” Mr. Taylor said. “For us, it is a chance to gain valuable perspectives from the next generation of leaders while equipping students with hands-on experience. By analyzing our communication and media strategies, they’re not just learning—they’re shaping real-world solutions. We’re excited to see their ideas in action. This collaboration allows Ball State students to delve into the cutting-edge intersection of sustainability and innovation.”
Class projects included in the partnership include:
Dr. Laura O’Hara’s Course: Communication Consultation
- Focus: assessing and enhancing internal and external communication strategies
- Deliverables: communication audits, identifying challenges and opportunities to improve clarity, efficiency and stakeholder engagement
Andrea Bruce’s Course: Environmental Storytelling
- Focus: media effectiveness for ekō Solutions and Land Betterment
- Deliverables: comprehensive plans to tailor messaging for diverse stakeholder groups and amplify impact across platforms
Through this collaboration, Land Betterment Corporation and ekō Solutions continue to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and community revitalization. By engaging with future leaders and fostering innovative ideas, they reinforce the potential for environmental stewardship and creative problem-solving to drive meaningful change in communities and industries alike.