Ball State University facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ball State University

Former name	Marion Normal College (1880–1912) National Manual Training Corporation (?–1912) Indiana Manual Training Company (?–1912) Muncie Conservatory of Music (?–1912) Muncie Normal Institute (1912–1917) Eastern Indiana Normal School (1899–1901) Palmer University (1902–1905) Indiana Normal College (1905–1907) Indiana Normal Institute (1912–1917) Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division (1918–1922) Ball Teachers College (1922–1929) Ball State Teachers College (1929–1961) Ball State College (1961–1965)
Motto	"We Fly"
Type	Public research university
Established	1918
Accreditation	HLC
Academic affiliations	Space-grant
Endowment	$325.6 million (2022)
President	Geoffrey Mearns
Provost	Anand Marri
Academic staff	1,245
Students	21,597 (Fall 2020)
Undergraduates	15,205
Postgraduates	5,817
Location	Muncie , Indiana , United States
Campus	Small city, 1,140 acres (4.6 km2)
Other campuses	Fishers, Indianapolis
Newspaper	The Ball State Daily News
Colors	Cardinal and white
Nickname	Cardinals
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division I FBS – MAC, MIVA, ECC
Mascot	Charlie Cardinal
Website	www.bsu.edu

Ball State University (also called Ball State or BSU) is a public university in Muncie, Indiana. It also has two smaller locations in Fishers and Indianapolis.

In 1917, the Ball brothers, who were famous for their Ball Corporation, bought a school called the Indiana Normal Institute. They gave this school and the land around it to the State of Indiana. The state accepted this gift in the spring of 1918. On June 17, 1918, 235 students started classes at the Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division.

Ball State is known as a "Doctoral University – High research activity." This means it offers many advanced degrees and does a lot of research. The university has seven main colleges. In Fall 2020, there were 21,597 students. This included 15,205 undergraduate students (working on their first degree) and 5,817 graduate students (working on advanced degrees). The university offers about 120 main study areas and 130 smaller study areas for undergraduates. It also has over 100 master's and doctoral degrees.

Ball State's sports teams are called the Ball State Cardinals. They compete in NCAA Division I sports. The university is part of the Mid-American Conference and the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. In fall 2020, Ball State also started a special esports team for video games. They joined the Esports Collegiate Conference.

University History

Early Schools in Muncie

The place where Ball State University is today started in 1899. It was a private school called the Eastern Indiana Normal School. The whole school, including classrooms and a library, was in one building. This building is now called the Frank A. Bracken Administration Building. The school had up to 256 students and cost $10 for a year of classes. It closed in 1901 because it ran out of money.

In 1902, the school opened again as Palmer University. This was possible because a retired banker named Francis Palmer gave the school $100,000. It operated for three years under this name.

From 1905 to 1907, the school was called the Indiana Normal College. It had two parts: one for training teachers and one for applied sciences. About 200 students attended. But again, the school closed because not enough students enrolled and it didn't have enough money. In 1912, a group of local investors opened the school again as the Indiana Normal Institute. They had to borrow money to fix up the building. Even though it had the most students ever (806), the school couldn't pay its loans. So, it closed one more time in June 1917.

The Ball Brothers' Gift

The Ball brothers from left to right: George, Lucius, Frank, Edmund, and William.

On July 25, 1917, the Ball brothers bought the Indiana Normal Institute. They were famous business owners who started the Ball Corporation. They also helped start Ball Memorial Hospital and Minnetrista. The Ball brothers bought the main building and land for $35,100.

In early 1918, the state leaders in Indiana accepted the gift from the Ball brothers. The state put the Muncie campus under the control of the Indiana State Normal School in Terre Haute. In the same year, another school moved to Muncie. This new school was officially named the Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division. In 1918, 235 students started classes. William W. Parsons was the first president.

People started calling the school "Ball State" because of the Ball family's help. In 1922, the state officially changed the school's name to Ball Teachers College. This was to thank the Ball family for their continued support. The state also created a separate board to manage the Muncie campus.

The Ball brothers kept giving money to the university. They helped pay for the Science Hall (now Burkhardt Building) in 1924 and an addition to Ball Gymnasium in 1925. By 1925–1926, Ball State had 991 students.

In 1929, the school was renamed Ball State Teachers College. In 1935, the Fine Arts Building was added for art, music, and dance classes.

A famous sculptor named Daniel Chester French created a bronze statue called Beneficence. It was made to celebrate 20 years since the Ball brothers gave the school to the state. This statue stands on campus today.

World War II and Growth

Ball State was affected by World War II. In 1939, the university started a Civilian Pilot Training program. Students and local people could learn to fly. By fall 1941, Ball State had 1,588 students. When the United States joined the war, fewer men enrolled. Ball State worked with the U.S. military to create training programs on campus. These programs helped train pilots for the military.

Students and staff also supported soldiers overseas by writing letters. In 1943, a "Roll of Honor" was created to list the names of everyone who served in the war.

Becoming a University

David Letterman Communication and Media Building dedication ceremony in 2007.

In 1961, Ball State became its own school, separate from Indiana State University. Its official name changed to Ball State College. In 1965, the state approved a new architecture program. This led to the opening of the Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning. The Center for Radio and Television (now the College of Communication, Information, and Media) opened in 1966.

Because the college was growing and offering more types of studies, the state renamed it Ball State University in 1965. At this time, many of the university's largest dorms were built. These include the DeHority Complex (1960), Noyer Complex (1962), Studebaker Complex (1965), LaFollette Complex (1967), and Johnson Complex (1969). Many academic and sports buildings were also built, like Emens Auditorium (1964) and Bracken Library (1974).

More buildings were added in the 2000s. These include the Art and Journalism Building (2001), Shafer Tower (2001), and the David Letterman Communication and Media Building (2007).

Under President Jo Ann Gora, over $520 million was spent on new buildings and fixing old ones. Ball State adopted the motto "Education Redefined." This focuses on "immersive learning," where students work on real-world projects. So far, there have been over 1,250 immersive learning projects.

The university also cares a lot about environmental sustainability. Since the mid-2000s, all new and renovated buildings are designed to be energy-efficient and good for the environment. In 2009, Ball State announced it would build the largest geothermal energy system in U.S. history.

University Campus

Main Campus Features

Looking north on McKinley Avenue toward Shafer Tower

Ball State University's campus covers 731 acres (2.96 km2) and has 109 buildings. It is mostly built around three main areas called quadrangles.

The oldest area is the "Old Quad" at the south end of campus. It has the first academic buildings, Christy Woods, and the Wheeler-Thanhauser Orchid Collection and Species Bank. The main attractions here are the Beneficence statue and the Fine Arts Building. The Fine Arts Building is home to the David Owsley Museum of Art. This museum has about 11,000 art pieces.

The University Green quadrangle is to the north. It has newer buildings from 1960 to today. Important spots include Bracken Library, Emens Auditorium, and the Frog Baby Fountain. Shafer Tower is the main feature of this area. It is a 150-foot (46 m) tall bell tower with 48 bells.

McKinley Avenue runs through the campus from north to south. It connects the different areas. The Scramble Light at Riverside and McKinley is a special crosswalk. It stops cars for 30 seconds so people can walk across in any direction, even diagonally.

The newest area is the East Quad, located east of the Old Quad. It has the Sursa Performance Hall, the Honors College, and two new buildings: the Health Professions Building (opened 2019) and the Foundational Sciences Building (opened 2021).

The North Residential Neighborhood was finished in 2022. It includes several dorms and the North Dining Hall.

York Prairie Creek, also called Cardinal Creek, flows through campus. It starts at a pond and winds northwest, connecting to the Duck Pond before going towards the White River.

The university campus has almost 8,000 trees of about 625 different kinds.

Getting Around Campus

The university offers a free shuttle bus service every semester. Shuttles run on different routes every five to ten minutes. The Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) also provides free bus service to students on local routes that go through campus.

There is also a late-night pickup service called Charlie's Charter. Students can ask Charlie's Charter to take them anywhere on campus.

Sports Facilities

Most of Ball State's sports facilities are on the northern part of campus. These include the First Merchants Ballpark Complex (Baseball and Softball fields), Briner Sports Complex, and the 22,500-seat Scheumann Stadium. This stadium is home to Ball State Cardinals football.

The 11,500-seat John E. Worthen Arena is in the center of campus. There are also tennis courts.

Campus Buildings and Design

The Music Instruction Building at night, with Stephen Knapp's First Symphony in view.

Most buildings on campus have red or brown brick walls. The Frank A. Bracken Administration Building is yellow brick, and Elliott and Pruis Halls are made of Indiana limestone.

The Frank A. Bracken Administration Building was built in 1899. It has a classic style with yellow brick.

Many buildings built before 1960 have a "Collegiate Gothic" style. This includes Ball Gymnasium, Burris Laboratory School, Fine Arts Building, and L. A. Pittenger Student Center.

Some modern buildings from the 1960s to 1980s have a "Brutalist" style. This means they have plain walls and exposed concrete. Examples are the Architecture Building and Bracken Library.

Newer buildings from the 1990s to 2010s look more like the older Collegiate Gothic buildings. They use red and brown brick with limestone. They also have large windows for natural light. Examples are the Alumni Center and the David Letterman Communication and Media Building.

The newest buildings, from the mid-2010s to now, have a modern style. They have open spaces, big windows, and are designed to be good for the environment. Examples include the Health Professions Building and the Foundational Sciences Building.

Caring for the Environment

Ball State is very focused on environmental sustainability. Since the mid-2000s, all new buildings and renovations are designed to meet special "LEED" standards. These standards make sure buildings are good for the environment. The university recycles 20% of its waste. It also uses hybrid vehicles and buses that use special fuel.

Since 2007, 13 campus buildings have earned LEED certification. This means they are recognized for being environmentally friendly. The university's first green roof was put on the North District Energy Station in 2011.

Former president Jo Ann Gora helped start a program for colleges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2011, Ball State received a "C+" grade for its sustainability efforts.

Geothermal System

In 2009, President Jo Ann Gora announced Ball State's plan to build the largest geothermal energy project in the U.S. Ball State wanted to reduce its greenhouse gas by almost 80,000 tons each year. They did this by installing a $65 million geothermal heating and cooling system and closing all four coal-fired boilers. The geothermal system was finished in 2017. It has 3,600 holes drilled into the ground and two energy stations. The system uses over 5,500,000 feet (1,700 km) of pipes underground to move water for heating and cooling the campus.

Other Locations

Ball State University has two other locations in Indiana: CAP: INDY and the Fishers Center.

Since 2001, the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning has a location in Indianapolis. It's called CAP: INDY. It has space for graduate students studying architecture and urban design. In 2019, it moved to a new building in downtown Indianapolis.

The Fishers Center for Academic and Economic Innovation opened in Fishers, Indiana, in 2015. It offers classes, community events, and training. Students studying business can work with companies in Fishers to help them grow.

Academics

Student Body

Ball State University has about 21,500 students from Indiana, other U.S. states, and around the world. About 25% of students are from outside Indiana. About 23% of students are from different ethnic backgrounds. The university has over 300 international students.

In the 2020–2021 school year, most students (74%) were from Indiana. 65% of the students are female. In 2019, the university accepted 77% of students who applied.

Tuition Costs

For the 2021–2022 school year, undergraduate tuition was $8,284 per year for Indiana residents. For students from other states, it was $25,518 per year. Including other fees like room and board, the total cost was about $21,086 for in-state students and $38,320 for out-of-state students.

University Colleges

Ball State University offers many different degrees. These include associate degrees, 119 bachelor's degrees, 78 master's degrees, and 15 doctoral degrees. In fall 2020, the average class size was 21 students. There was one teacher for every 16 students.

Ball State University has been officially approved by The Higher Learning Commission since 1925.

Library System

Bracken Library is the main library at the university. It was finished in 1975. Bracken Library has five floors with classrooms, computer labs, and study rooms. The library has about 2.3 million books, magazines, videos, and other information. Bracken Library also has the Ball State University Digital Media Repository. This is an online collection of over 130,000 digital items.

Student Life

Dorms and Housing

Ball State University has 14 dorms for its students. Another dorm is expected to open soon. There is also a 16th dorm for students from the Indiana Academy.

Anthony and Scheidler Apartments on campus are for older students, students with families, and university staff. The cost of living on campus includes meal plans for dining halls.

Most dorms have "living-learning communities." This means students with the same majors or similar interests live together and do special activities.

Student Groups and Activities

Ball State has over 400 student groups. These include student government, groups for different majors, special interest clubs, and service groups. There are also multicultural groups like the Asian American Student Association and the Black Student Association. Spectrum is a group for LGBTQ equality. Ball State was one of the first universities to start a "Safe Zone" training program in 1992. This program teaches people to support LGBTQ students.

Ball State University also has about 30 Greek letter organizations (fraternities and sororities).

Student Media

Eight student-run media groups work together in Ball State's Unified Media Lab. These include the Ball State Daily News, Ball Bearings magazine, Byte, Cardinal Metrics, Cardinal WX, Newslink Indiana, Ball State Sports Link, and WCRD radio station.

Ball State Daily News

The Ball State Daily News is a student newspaper. Articles are published online every day. A print version is published every Thursday during the school year. The newspaper was one of the first student publications to be put into the Associated Collegiate Press’ Hall of Fame in 1988.

Ball Bearings magazine

Ball Bearings is an online and print student magazine. It focuses on in-depth articles.

Byte

Byte is a student group that creates news, features, reviews, and videos. They focus on entertainment, technology, and culture.

Cardinal Metrics

Cardinal Metrics is a student-run agency. Students work with real clients to provide analysis and advice.

Cardinal WX

Cardinal WX, or "Waking up with Cardinal Weather," is a morning mobile show. It provides news, weather, and lifestyle trends.

NewsLink Indiana

NewsLink Indiana is a 30-minute TV show that airs three times a week. It covers local and national news, entertainment, weather, and sports.

Ball State Sports Link

Ball State Sports Link started in 2009. Students cover sports, including live broadcasts, TV shows, and social media content.

WCRD

WCRD is a non-commercial radio station run by Ball State students.

The McKinley Avenue Agency

The Department of Journalism supports The McKinley Avenue Agency. This is a student-run public relations and advertising agency. Students work with university offices and local businesses.

Ball State Public Media

In October 2020, the university announced Ball State Public Media. This is a partnership between Ball State PBS (a TV station) and Indiana Public Radio (a radio station).

Athletics

Ball State Cardinals football at Scheumann Stadium

Ball State competes in NCAA Division I sports. They are part of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for most sports. Men's volleyball competes in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA).

In 2018, Beth Goetz became the director of athletics. She is Ball State's second female director of athletics ever.

Ball State Cardinals football started in 1924. As of January 2021, their record is 461 wins, 434 losses, and 32 ties. Ball State has won six conference championships in football. Their most recent win was in 2020. They have played in seven postseason bowl games. In 2020, they won their first-ever bowl game, beating San Jose State 34-13 in the Arizona Bowl. Ball State plays against Northern Illinois each year for the Bronze Stalk Trophy. Mike Neu has been the head coach since 2016.

Ball State Cardinals men's basketball started in 1920. From the 1980s to 2000, Ball State was very strong in the Mid-American Conference. They won seven MAC tournaments. They also played in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament many times. Their best year was 1990 when they reached the "Sweet Sixteen" but lost to UNLV. The team's last NCAA tournament appearance was in 2000. James Whitford became head coach in 2013.

Charlie Cardinal is Ball State's mascot. He is based on Indiana's state bird, the northern cardinal.

Traditions

Beneficence Statue

The statue Beneficence (also called "Benny") is a bronze statue. It was put on Ball State's campus in 1937. The statue was made by Daniel Chester French, who also created the Abraham Lincoln statue in the Lincoln Memorial. Beneficence was chosen to honor the five Ball brothers. They founded the university and gave many gifts to Muncie. The statue is a main symbol for the university. It is even part of Ball State's official logo.

Frog Baby Fountain

The Frog Baby statue has been part of campus legends since 1937. Students used to rub the statue's nose for good luck before exams. Over time, the nose wore away. In 1993, the statue was sent away to be fixed. Today, Frog Baby is in a fountain on University Green. Now, students sometimes dress the statue in scarves and hats in winter. They also put jerseys on it for sports games.

Homecoming Events

Homecoming started in 1926 and has many traditions. The Homecoming Parade first happened in 1939. The parade starts downtown and goes through campus. In 2012, over 100 floats were in the parade.

The Homecoming Bed Race has been held since 1980. It happens the Friday before homecoming. Teams of five people race beds down a 100-yard course. They often wear funny costumes. Other Homecoming traditions include the Air Jam lip-sync contest and the Talent Search scholarship show.

Other Traditions

Since 2004, Ball State students say "Chirp! Chirp!" to cheer on their teams. This chant often starts during football games when the other team is on their third down. People usually make a "chirp" hand sign with their fingers while chanting.

For many years, students and visitors would stick chewed gum to a tree on campus. This "Gum Tree" was covered in colorful gum. The tree was removed in 2017 to make way for new construction.

Notable Alumni

Ball State University has about 197,000 alumni around the world. Here are a few famous graduates:

• Kent C. "Oz" Nelson (1959), former president and CEO of UPS
• Jim Davis (1967), creator of the Garfield comic strip
• David Letterman (1969), Emmy Award-winning former host of the Late Show
• Actress Joyce DeWitt (1972)
• Architect Craig W. Hartman (1973)
• Angela Ahrendts (1981), former CEO of Burberry and former Apple Inc. executive
• Jeffrey D. Feltman (1981), United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs
• Brian Gallagher (1981), former president and CEO of United Way Worldwide
• Actor Doug Jones (1982)
• John Schnatter (1983), founder and former chairman of Papa John's Pizza
• Angelin Chang, (1990) Grammy Award-winning classical pianist
• Jarrod Jones (born 1990), American-Hungarian basketball player
• Jason Whitlock (1990), sportswriter and host of Speak for Yourself
• Tiara Thomas (2012), Grammy Award and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter

Images for kids

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  Ball State University seal

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  Ball State University logo