Education

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—The next chapter for Indiana’s forests may be based on the need by Hoosiers for more outdoor space for recreation, says Ron Morris, a Ball State University history professor and co-editor with public historian Glory-June Greiff of a new book, “The History of Indiana State Forests.” The hardback book, which contains 144 full-color photographs by Glory-June Greiff, is the first of its kind, examining the history of Indiana’s state forests. Its analysis draws upon interdisciplinary material from cultural geography, natural resources, and history. “Indiana has 14 designated state forests with a wide variety of recreational activities,”…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—A group of Ball State University students are working to bring the history of the Delphi Opera House and the Indiana community that surrounds it to life with the creation of an exhibit at the 153-year-old facility. The students created this space by working with historical artifacts found at the site, providing context through historical research and writing, and filming interviews to display within the museum space. The exhibition is being produced by Ball State students through the public history practicum course, under the direction of professor Ronald V. Morris. The public history practicum is a…

By: Jillian Wilschke— Muncie, IN — One week it might be salsa, the next it could be jazz, but youngsters at local elementary schools are learning about the art of dancing, thanks to the efforts of students like Ball State University’s Ella Donovan. “My favorite part about the project are moments during class when a child genuinely is excited about what we are learning,” said Donovan, a dance major from Crested Butte, Colorado. “That is when the little ones begin smiling uncontrollably during a free dance activity.” Led by Melanie Swihart, program director and Department of Theatre and Dance lecturer and dance…

By: Marc Ransford— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University’s Board of Trustees voted on March 30th to move forward with a new $18 million parking garage as part of a long-term plan to develop a new East Mall and make the campus friendlier to pedestrians and cyclists. During the meeting, the Trustees approved the scope, budget and design of the New York Avenue Parking Structure. Construction of the new garage, which will be adjacent to Studebaker Complex on the eastern edge of campus, is set to begin this summer. When completed in 2019, this structure will have 600 spaces, covered…