Inclusive Excellence News
October 2024
In this month’s Inclusive Excellence News, we’re excited to dive into the latest updates from around Ball State! We’ll share some news from around campus, recap the State of Inclusive Excellence Address, highlight upcoming inclusive events across campus, and share valuable professional development opportunities available both on-campus and in the community. Stay tuned for everything you need to know to stay engaged and informed! If you want to us to share any information in future newsletters please email, ie@bsu.edu.
News from Around Ball State University
Ball State Professor Coaches Two Paralympians on Team USA for 2024 Games
One of Ball State’s own played a significant coaching role in the 2024 Paralympics, which took place Aug. 28-Sept. 8 in Paris. Dr. Lawrence Judge, professor of kinesiology and coordinator of the athletic coaching education graduate program, coached two world-class athletes representing Team USA: Jeremy Campbell in discus and Josh Cinnamo in shot put. Read more about Dr. Judge and his role in the 2024 Paralympics in this Ball State blog.
With a winning discus throw of 61.14 meters, Mr. Campbell won his fourth title and set a Paralympic Games record. Mr. Cinnamo, one of the world’s top shot putters, came in fourth place. The distance of his put was within a meter of the athlete who earned the gold medal in this event.
NABJ’s Student Chapter at Ball State Earns Top Honor
Ball State’s National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) chapter was recently named the association’s 2023-2024 National Student Chapter of the Year. The announcement was made during NABJ’s 49th annual convention in Chicago. Ball State’s NABJ student chapter earned this accolade for the student members’ work to address several community and campus issues and bring change. These students are within Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
Ball State’s Second Annual State of Inclusive Excellence Address
On September 16th, 2024 Dr. Rashida Willard, Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence delivered the 2024 State of Inclusive Excellence Address. For more information about the address visit our blog post “2nd Annual State of Inclusive Excellence Address.”
Ball State University Program Highlight
Do you know about Ball State University’s Guardian Scholars program? Founded in 2004, Guardian Scholars helps to holistically support Ball State students who were in the foster care system. The following is an excerpt from this blog post by Jennifer Criss titled “Guardian Scholars Program Supports Ball State Students Who Experienced Foster Care.”
“Succeeding in college can be challenging for many students. However, those who have experienced foster care may have circumstances that make the journey through higher education more complicated than that of their peers. These students often face obstacles that can impede their academic progress, such as a lack of financial support, emotional guidance, and a stable support system.
The disparity in educational outcomes becomes glaringly apparent, with students from foster care backgrounds being 33 percent more likely to withdraw from college compared to their low-income, first-generation college peers. The Division of Student Affairs indicated that only about 40 percent of students with a foster care background graduate, often taking longer than their peers to do so. This is a clear indicator of the need for targeted supportive interventions and resources to help bridge the gap. Guardian Scholars aims to ensure students with foster care backgrounds receive the support they need to successfully navigate college life and achieve their academic and personal goals.”
For more information about the Guardian Scholars Program check out their website.
Fostering Inclusivity: Celebrating Diversity, Key Events, and Growth Opportunities
In order to make information more accessible, we have created three individual sections. First, in the Celebrating Diversity section, you’ll discover key observances and cultural events that foster reflection, understanding, and meaningful connections. Next, in the October Inclusive Events section highlights interactive events, panel discussions, and cultural activities that broaden perspectives and build connections. Finally, the October Professional Development Opportunities section offers resources and training to help you grow both personally and professionally, empowering you to lead with inclusivity in mind. Each section is designed to deepen your knowledge, spark conversation, and inspire action in building a more inclusive campus and community.