Introducing the inaugural cohort of Ryan Family Scholars at Ball State University. Thanks to a generous gift by Michelle and Jim Ryan, these Scholars have committed to the field of education, and have received full-ride scholarships to support their innovation, commitment, and contributions to a diverse and high-quality teaching force.

Meet the Scholars:

Amaree Burks: Sophomore Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies Major

Jalen Chandler: Junior Teaching Major, Social Studies

Andrea Flores: Sophomore Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies/Early Childhood Special Education Dual Major

Isabella (Izzy) Fuentes: Freshman Music Education Major – Choral and Band

Isaiah Kimp: Freshman Teaching Major, Social Studies

Bryan (Alex) Vivas: Sophomore Teaching Major, English

Fly Your Way Back Home

For Ball State Homecoming Weekend, Michelle and Jim Ryan flew their way back to campus to participate in the Homecoming festivities. While here, they met with the six Ryan Family Scholars, and they were able to get to know each other during a discussion in the John S. and Beverly L. (Hoover) Johnson Executive Seminar Room in Teachers College.

Learn more about the Ryan Family Scholars and Navigator Program

Ryan Navigator Program Staff:

John Anderson: Ryan Navigators Program Director, and faculty member in the Department of Sociology. He earned a master’s degree in Sociology from Ball State in 2016, and an EdD in Adult and Community Education from Teachers College in 2021.

Rebecca Gold: Doctoral Assistant. She is a first-year student in the Educational Psychology PhD program.

Kiara Johnson: Doctoral Assistant. She is a third-year student in the Educational Psychology PhD program.