On Saturday, December 18, 2021, Worthen Arena was filled with excitement and joy, as family, friends, and faculty came together to celebrate the achievements of the 2021 Fall graduates. Every graduate has a different path on the journey to the stage at commencement. For Annie Joines Prentice that journey was a long one and included the 1,188 miles from her home in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Muncie, Indiana.

Journey to a Master’s Degree

Annie earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995. After graduating, she taught 4th and 5th grades in Chapel Hill for eight years before becoming a mother.

Her two children, now ages 17 and 19, both have special needs, something that drew her to the special education field. Two years ago, she realized that since her children were getting older and becoming more independent, she wanted a plan for her own future outside of being a mom. Enter Ball State University.

Ball State Online

Annie decided to pursue a master’s degree in Special Education, with a certificate in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, which she was able to complete online at Ball State from her home in Florida. Nervous to start, her fears were soon allayed.

“It has been a fabulous experience. Every instructor has been supportive, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable in his or her field. The content has been both rigorous and relevant. I feel confident returning to teaching with a new set of skills.”

She also speaks very highly of the online student support.

“From technology help to library service tutorials to video messages from my advisor, I have felt supported every step of the way.”

Congratulations Annie!

We’re so glad to add you to the ranks of our Ball State alumni. Good luck on the next leg of your journey.