Ms. Molly McGuire, winner of the Teachers College Outstanding Alumni Award, is a graduate of Ball State University many times over. She has earned an associate degree in criminal justice and criminology (2000), a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology (2002), a master’s degree in both adult and community education and executive development for public service (2019) and has earned a graduate certificate in community college leadership (2020).
Molly McGuire crossing the stage during the Fall Commencement Ceremony on December 14, 2019.
Dedication to Community
Her dedication to children and families in her community has guided her throughout her career. She worked for the State of Indiana as a child abuse investigation supervisor and is currently a supervisor for the state Vocational Rehabilitation Office, helping individuals in the community achieve employment goals.
Ms. McGuire has done extensive community volunteer work with various groups, including the Girl Scouts of East Central Indiana, Prevent Child Abuse Delaware County, Delaware County Family Navigator, and she is a Little Free Library steward. She is an advocate for prevention programs focusing on child abuse and neglect, and has served on several Delaware County task forces, including the domestic violence, sex trafficking, and homelessness task forces. She also served as a volunteer firefighter for 15 years and was the first female firefighter on the Farmland Volunteer Fire Department.
Recognition
This isn’t the first time Ms. McGuire has been recognized for her hard work and dedication. She was recognized as one of the Muncie 20 Under 40 by M Magazine in 2016, was a recipient of a Prevent Child Abuse of Delaware County Appreciation Award in 2017, was an ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Nominee in 2018, and a recipient of a Vivian Conley Women’s Equality Day Award for Public Service in 2019. She has also been awarded several scholarships, which was crucial in allowing her to pursue her education goals.
Indigenous Heritage
Ms. McGuire, šayiipaawe – Morning Sun, is an enrolled member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and is a direct descendant of Chief Little Turtle. She strives to educate people on the tribe’s past and current activities, and the ongoing achievements of Myammia people, including the tribe’s efforts in language and cultural revitalization. She regularly participates in tribal activities in Oklahoma to increase her awareness regarding advocacy efforts and brings back information to help educate other tribal members residing in Indiana.
Family
Attending Ball State is a family affair, as her grandmother, both parents, and both of her sisters are alumni. Ms. McGuire is a proud mother of two young girls and has somehow managed to balance being a single mother, working full-time, going to school full-time, and regularly volunteering on campus and in the community.
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