2nd Annual State of Inclusive Excellence Address

A promotional flyer for Ball State University's 2nd Annual State of Inclusive Excellence Address. The flyer is red and white, featuring the Ball State logo at the top. The event details read: "Join Us... 2nd Annual State of Inclusive Excellence Address. Come celebrate our accomplishments, advancements, and achievements toward inclusive excellence at Ball State! Monday, Sept 16, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, Student Center Ballroom. Light refreshments will be served." The flyer also includes images of a smiling student holding a "Chirp Chirp" sign, the Ball State mascot, and a group of diverse students smiling together.

On Monday, September 16th, Dr. Rashida Willard, Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, delivered the State of Inclusive Excellence Address. During the address the campus was informed about inclusive excellence successes of a multitude of colleges, divisions, departments, units, and individuals. One of the highlights of the address was recognizing the impactful work of 5 individuals from across campus.

Rewards and Recognition

Goal 3 of the Inclusive Excellence Plan states, “In the spirit of our “rewards reflecting our values,” we will recognize and celebrate the contributions of those who work toward the goals of Inclusive Excellence.” To help fulfill that goal during the address five different people were given special recognition for the work that they do in the area of Inclusive Excellence. In making the call for nominations, Dr. Willard asked for individuals from any employee level on campus that “have been champions of diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, access, or belonging within their areas.”

Dr. Emily Rutter, Associate Dean of the Honors College.

In his nomination of Dr. Rutter, Dr. James Buss, Dean of Honors College stated: “Dr. Emily Rutter has been a champion for inclusive excellence work in the Honors College as both a Ball Brothers Honors College Faculty Fellow and Associate Dean. During her tenure in the college, she has helped create the Honors Organization for Promoting Equity, the Inclusive Excellence Speaker Series, and a peer mentoring program that aids students from all backgrounds in feeling welcome and included in Honors College programming.” In conclusion he stated, “Thanks to her hard work, over the past two years the Honors College has welcomed the two most diverse honors freshman classes in the 65 year history of honors education at Ball State University.”

Ms. Gloria Quiroz Pavlik, Director of Enrollment Support Services for Cardinal Central

In their nomination of Gloria, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Services Staci Davis stated: “Gloria is Cardinal Central’s Director of Enrollment Services, overseeing the 21st Century Scholars…. Many 21st Century Scholars are first-generation, high-risk students who do not necessarily seek help or voice their concerns. With her many years of experience working with students and being a first-generation student, Gloria not only understands their needs but also empathizes with their challenges.” Later, they stated that “One colleague described her as “Batman,” always working behind the scenes to ensure every student has the tools and resources to be successful. I would agree with this analogy, and I believe her dedication is truly inspiring.”

They also highlighted Gloria’s understanding of students’ needs. “Gloria’s continuous improvement leadership style has proven successful. She is always looking to meet the students where they are and rethinks programming to ensure an opportunity for engagement, connection, and a sense of belonging. Her goal is to break down barriers for the students, and her efforts have been fruitful.” Finally, they closed by stating:”She is a true advocate for the 21st Century Scholars population. She believes that intentional policies, procedures, and programming can be rethought to ensure all students have a voice and feel supported at Ball State.”

Jenn Meckley, Assistant Professor of Dance and Dance Historian

In their nomination of Jenn, Dr. Seth Beckman, Dean of the College of Fine Arts provided the following information about Jenn’s inclusive excellence efforts. : “Jenn Meckley received our CFA 2024 Equity and Inclusion Award. An Assistant Professor of Dance and Dance Historian in Department of Theatre &Dance, Jenn is a tireless advocate for all students, particularly those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA community.” Later, they highlighted some of the inclusive events Jenn has helped create. “Jenn spearheaded a Queer Arts Festival in March at Cornerstone Center in downtown Muncie. This two-day event featured multiple artists whose work celebrated the efforts of LGBTQIA practitioners in multiple disciplines.” In closing, they talked about the inclusiveness of Jenn’s artistic work. “Jenn’s artistic work prioritizes diverse dance forms and meaningful partnerships, including the recent FUSION dance concert, which celebrated West African Dance forms.”

Ms. Melissa Gentry, Map Collections Supervisor, University Libraries

In their nomination of Melissa, Dr. Amy Petts, Interim Dean of University Libraries provided the following information about Melissa’s inclusive excellence efforts. “Melissa Gentry is a true champion of equity, inclusive excellence and access. Through Melissa’s important work for University Libraries, she advances knowledge about gender equity and the long history of the Women’s Rights Movement. Because Melissa’s programming is creative, engaging, and thought

-provoking, diverse audiences stretching beyond Ball State to the broader East Central Indiana Community gain access to primary source materials documenting the lived history and untold stories of the community in which we live.”

Next, they highlighted some of Melissa’s current success. “Melissa was recently selected for the Indiana Humanities Women’s Suffrage Centennial Speakers’ Bureau, providing programming and developing maps on women’s suffrage. She regularly creates map exhibits for community programming events that are featured all across the state. In particular, Melissa’s work with the Notable Women of Delaware County elevates the visibility of University Libraries and Ball State in our community.”

Dr. Serena Shim, Interim Department Chair of the Department of Educational Psychology and Professor of Educational Psychology

In their nomination of Dr. Shim, Dr. Susan Wilczynski, Plassman Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis provided the following information about Dr. Shim’s inclusive excellence efforts.

“Dr. Serena Shim embodies inclusive excellence by creating environments that engender a sense of belonging and effectively flatten hierarchies at Ball State University.” Next, they mentioned one of Dr. Shim’s many contributions to inclusive excellence, an International Faculty Affinity Group. “She created an International Faculty Affinity Group, leading to a feeling of acceptance and increased knowledge among numerous Teachers College faculty and co-generating an international faculty and student campus-wide event in which attendees gained greater access to university leaders who share their international lineage.”

Lastly, they completed the nomination by describing one of the successes of Dr. Shim’s mentoring work. “By mentoring a junior colleague while executing these impressive accomplishments, Dr. Shim enhanced the early career trajectory of her mentee and ensured this program would continue as Dr. Shim rose to an administrative position, allowing her to expand her inclusive excellence footprint.”

To find out about more inclusive events in October visit our Inclusive Events post.