Hello everyone and welcome to our monthly “Good News” outlet.
As we recently passed National Voter Registration Day, we wanted to start our post with an important reminder: October 5 is the registration deadline in Indiana. Please double check that you are registered to vote and that your registration is up to date. You can find out more information, state by state, at this link.
Now for the good news, read on!
Students & Alumni
- Congratulations to all students who made the CCIM Dean’s List!
- 10 CCIM students and recent grads took part in the creation of That One Film Festival— an immersive learning project that takes the Muncie arts and culture scene worldwide. Read more here.
- Journalism and Byte alumnus Kyle Crawford was named a best photo finalist in this year’s College Media Association Pinnacles. You can preview a sample of Kyle’s work at this link.
- ’19 TCOM alumnus & proud Hoosier filmmaker Dylan Query is raising money to make “Cold Cross”—a feature-length film out of the award-winning short film he created while studying at Ball State University named “Cold Creek”. Read his story here.
- After receiving and vetting applications, The Ball State Foundation welcomed five CCIM students into the 2020-2021 Philanthropy Education Council (PEC): Isaac Miller (TCOM), Connor Sanburn (TCOM), Brooke Simpson (Communication Studies), Kayla Smith (TCOM) and Madison Surface (Journalism). PEC members are responsible for the student component of One Ball State Day. They also plan and execute Thank a Donor Day and the VIP event. A handful of them will appear in Foundation communication materials such as video, print and social media.
- The Ball State Foundation held a Q&A with Journalism alumnus Michael Smith. Read “Michael P. Smith: A proud Cardinal for Life” here.
Faculty and Staff
- CICS’ Dr. Chris Davison co-authored “Transitioning from testbeds to ships: an experience study in deploying the TIPPERS Internet of Things platform to the US Navy”, an article published on September 22 in The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation.
- Last September, a crew from WFYI visited campus to interview TCOM’s Dr. Wes Gehring for a new documentary titled “What’s So Funny?” The documentary was produced by Gary Harrison and Judy O’Bannon, former First Lady of Indiana. “What’s So Funny” explores the importance and power of humor in our lives both individually and culturally. Special attention was given to Hoosiers who have brought laughter to the world. The program will be broadcast on October 26, 27, 28, 30 on WFYI. Click here for information.
- On September 29, TCOM’s Dr. Dom Caristi shared his perspective with WIBC ahead of the the first Presidential Debate. Read “Biden vs. Trump: How People May Consume The Debate” at this link.
- Dean Paaige Turner is taking part in a “Pie in the Face” fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie. Dean Turner committed in receiving one pie in the face for every $75 raised. You can contribute by making a donation by October 1, end of day, at this link.
- Dr. Adam Kuban’s project, Match Point II: Using Documentary-Storytelling Techniques to Chronicle the Creation & Impact of Men’s Volleyball Programs at HBCUs in the SIAC, is approved to receive $3,800.00 from Indiana Campus Compact upon completion of the project on May 31, 2021. The project aims to create a documentary sequel to Dr. Kuban’s 2019 documentary, Match Point: The Rise of Men’s Volleyball. Match Point II will chronicle the effort to build collegiate men’s volleyball teams at six historically black colleges and universities in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Dr. Kuban will also work throughout the year with a cohort of faculty from across Indiana on a collaborative research project aimed at furthering the field of community engagement.
CCIM and CCIM Units
- CCIM held its first virtual SuperParty, a cross-platform experience offering multiple ways for students to connect with the 35+ student organizations, clubs, agencies and student media organizations hosted within CCIM. A SuperParty Canvas Community was the backbone of our virtual experience and attracted over 900 students. A series of simultaneous live events was also offered on September 2. Ultimately, 108 students signed up for student organizations or clubs and submitted a total of 361 requests to connect.
- Esports personality Eefje Depoortere, professionally known as Sjokz, joined us on September 23 as part of our David Letterman Distinguished Lecture and Workshop Series. 168 participants tuned in for the main session moderated by TCOM and Sports Link alumnus, Drew Adamson.
- CCIM held its first virtual Dean’s List Ceremony on September 26. 348 participants—CCIM faculty, Dean’s List student, their family and friends—joined the virtual celebration hosted by Dean Turner and featuring Communication Studies alumnus Adam Weber as our keynote speaker. A recording of his speech can be found at this link.
- CICS is looking for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Information and Communication Sciences. Interested candidates should apply by October 22. Details here.
- On September 29, the Department of Journalism hosted a professional in residence event featuring our newest faculty member, Dr. Curtis Matthews, who shared about his 15 years of experience in advertising, public relations, and marketing.
University-wide Initiatives
- Cardinal Compass: Campus and Community Conversations returned to Indiana Public Radio and WIPB-TV at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 18. Each month, the 30-minute program featuring President Mearns and his guests explores the connections between Muncie and Ball State. CCIM students produced, hosted, and edited the show as part of an immersive learning project led by Terry Heifetz. This month, President Mearns and Provost Susana Rivera-Mills will discuss “Ball State’s Response to COVID-19.” Watch the full episode below.