Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University’s Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center has announced the schedule of events for its annual Unity Week, which kicks off on Monday, Jan. 20, the official observance of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. “Unity Week is a call to spark meaningful conversations and connections that bridge differences and build community,” said Gabrielle Lloyd, director of the Multicultural Center. “This year’s theme, ‘Ignite to Unite,’ emphasizes the importance of civic discourse and shared understanding, offering students, faculty, staff, and community members opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage…

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football coach Mike Uremovich has announced the enrollment of 25 new student-athletes who have arrived on campus and begun taking classes in the Spring 2025 semester. The first class of student-athletes to arrive under Uremovich’s watch includes 15 transfers, five mid-year freshman enrollees who signed with the Cardinals in December, and five grayshirt student-athletes who delayed their enrollment after signing with Ball State a year ago. The impressive list of transfers features a pair of all-conference selections from last season. Thirteen of the 15 transfers have spent time at a host…

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Manufacturing and Ivy Tech Community College’s WorkMatters program have announced an exciting new collaboration aimed at enhancing the local Advanced Manufacturing and Technology sector. The initiative will focus on fostering stronger industry-education partnerships, preparing students for high-wage, in-demand careers in manufacturing and technology. As part of the partnership, Stephen Brand will join Ivy Tech’s School of Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science team as a mentor and liaison between local industry and education. Brand, who brings over 30 years of experience in manufacturing, will be embedded directly in Ivy Tech classrooms. His role will provide valuable…

By BSU Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Three prominent leaders from Ball State University—Rick Hall, chair of the Board of Trustees; Mike McDaniel, board secretary; and President Geoffrey S. Mearns—this week were awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors, by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. The Sagamore of the Wabash, created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates (1945–49), recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the state or significant contributions to its heritage. Recipients have included astronauts, educators, artists, and public servants who exemplify Hoosier values. Rick Hall Rick Hall, of Carmel, Ind., was appointed to…

Bearcats will play first competitive events this month By Andy Klotz, APR, MCS Chief Communications Officer— MUNCIE, IN – Zach Houser has been “gaming” competitively since he was 13 years old. Now, the third-year Latin and English teacher at Muncie Central High School is about to make history as the first coach of the school’s eSports team. “I have a really deep personal passion for eSports,” Houser said. “It’s a way I’ve met a lot of my friends. It’s just a wonderful thing.” Many students agree. More than 60 of them showed up for the first call out meeting last…