Honoring a Dedicated Partner in Education

The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a non-alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding service and support to Ball State University’s Teachers College. This year’s recipient, Frank Galloway, has gone above and beyond in his commitment to Ball State’s international student teaching program in Germany, proving that true service extends far beyond the classroom.

A Lifelong Learner and Leader

A retired Chief Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force, Galloway embodies leadership, humility, and service. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he dedicated 29 years to military service, earning the Air Force General Lew Allen Award for his distinguished performance.

Now retired, Galloway enjoys a well-earned life filled with golf, European football (soccer), and travel, including an incredible 500-mile hike across Spain on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. When asked for his advice to students and future educators, he offered a simple but powerful reminder:

“Be a lifelong learner.”

A Trusted Ally in the Germany Student Teaching Program

Since 2018, Galloway has played a pivotal volunteer role in the Ball State–DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) Student Teaching Program in Germany, assisting supervisors and student teachers stationed at U.S. military bases. His work ensures smooth operations for every semester’s cohort, coordinating base access, ID cards, and travel logistics for faculty and students.

As Dr. Rachel Geesa, Associate Clinical Professor and Director of International Programs for Teachers College, shared in her letter of recommendation:

“Mr. Galloway has been an outstanding volunteer and advocate of the Teachers College–DoDEA Student Teaching Program in Germany since 2018, and we, as a college, are grateful for his service.”

She added,

“Our organization and approach to student-teacher supervision in Germany is highly respected, and Mr. Galloway’s support has helped keep the program running smoothly. It is not unusual for a DoDEA administrator to tell others that ‘Ball State does it right!’”

A True Friend of Education

Those who have worked alongside Galloway describe him as generous, positive, and indispensable. Lynette Varner, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Elementary Education, shared that Galloway’s dedication has made it possible for Ball State supervisors and student teachers to thrive abroad.

“Making this type of site visit would not be possible without Frank volunteering his time to be with us,” Varner wrote. “Each day he selflessly shared his time and expertise with us as we were met with a warm smile and questions about the agenda for the day.”

His service goes far beyond routine logistics. From signing visitors onto base and transporting students to schools across Ramstein, Kaiserslautern, and Wiesbaden, to coordinating with administrators and assisting with student transitions, Galloway’s impact is felt at every level.

“He is a true friend of education and a steadfast supporter of Ball State University’s Teachers College,” Varner concluded. “His positivity and eagerness to hear about the current initiatives that affect our education students is refreshing.”

Continuing a Legacy of Service

For Galloway, volunteering with Ball State is a natural extension of a life dedicated to helping others.

“I loved helping Ball State supervisors with students transitioning into Germany,” he said, a statement that perfectly reflects his character and the values celebrated by Teachers College.

From the skies to the schools, Frank Galloway’s service exemplifies what it means to lead, support, and inspire. Teachers College is proud to recognize him as the 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient.