When Abigail Denault learned she had been selected as the first-ever Ball State University student to receive the prestigious Richard J. Wood Community Commitment Award, her initial reaction was one of surprise.
“I know there are so many Ball State students doing things for and working in the local and campus community. I may be the first, but I know I will not be the last, knowing all that my fellow students do,” Ms. Denault said.
Her humility is reflective of the values that earned her this honor—an unwavering dedication to civic responsibility, community engagement, and journalism that informs and empowers. As a journalism major with a minor in global studies, Ms. Denault has made a profound impact both in and beyond the classroom, demonstrating an unrelenting passion for serving her community.
A passion for civic engagement
Ms. Denault’s commitment to civic engagement stems from a deeply rooted belief that informed communities are stronger communities. She credits her father’s example of volunteering and community involvement as an early influence in her own engagement.
That passion flourished at Ball State, where Ms. Denault took on a leadership role as a Democracy Fellow with the University’s Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL). Through her work with the Cardinals Vote! initiative, she helped educate her peers on the importance of voter registration and nonpartisan election information.
“When I worked at the polls for the primary, I saw firsthand how many people didn’t have the information they needed about how voting works,” Ms. Denault said. “That experience made me want to ensure people have access to the knowledge and resources to be informed citizens.”
Her impact extended to her role as a journalist. As a former executive editor of Ball Bearings Magazine and news section editor for The Ball State Daily News, she has reported on civic engagement efforts and amplified voices in the community through storytelling. Her reporting has particularly focused on CECL’s CREATE project—or Civic Renewal Through Education for Agency, Tolerance and Engagement—with Muncie Community Schools, helping highlight the importance of civic education at the K-12 level.
Academic excellence and global perspective
Beyond her service and journalism, Ms. Denault has excelled academically.
As a member of Ball State’s Honors College and a consistent presence on the Dean’s List, she has balanced rigorous coursework with hands-on community involvement. Her participation in the Teacher-Scholar Program and the Grand Strategy, Security, and Statecraft Group has further deepened her understanding of civic responsibility on a global scale.
Her drive for civic engagement extends beyond Ball State’s campus. Growing up in Illinois, she worked as a poll worker, gaining firsthand experience with the democratic process. She was later selected to be an election judge but had to turn down the role after deciding to attend college out of state. She hopes to apply her experience in election work to her future career.
Looking ahead
With graduation on the horizon, Ms. Denault envisions a future that continues her mission of informing and empowering communities. She plans to begin her career in journalism, sharpening her skills as a reporter before pursuing a master’s degree in international relations with aspirations of becoming a foreign correspondent.
“Wherever I go, I plan to continue in the spirit of making sure people have the information they need to be informed citizens who can participate and improve upon their communities,” she said. “I also hope to promote these values by uplifting voices and helping to bridge the gap in building relationships within the community.”
As part of her Richard J. Wood Community Commitment Award recognition, Ms. Denault will spend the next year working with Community-Engaged Alliance, furthering her advocacy for civic engagement through speaking engagements and community events.
“Ms. Denault exemplifies the qualities of leadership and service that this award seeks to honor,” said Dr. David Roof, CECL director. “Her commitment to strengthening democratic values and empowering her peers is remarkable and inspiring.”
Her work has already left a lasting mark on Ball State and the broader community. As she steps into the next chapter of her journey, Ms. Denault remains committed to fostering engagement, empowering voices, and ensuring that informed citizens continue to shape the world around them.
