As the holiday season approaches, we extend our sincere thanks for your support of Teachers College. Your generosity strengthens our mission and helps to create meaningful opportunities for our students.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright year ahead. Thank you for being a valued partner in shaping the future of education.
Honoring Excellence: Celebrating Our 2025 Teachers College Award Recipients
During the 2025 Homecoming season, Teachers College proudly celebrated three remarkable individuals whose work and dedication reflect the excellence and spirit of our community.
Ally Bright, recipient of the Young Alumni Award, continues to inspire through her early career achievements in philanthropy with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity, demonstrating how educators make meaningful impacts in every sector. Learn more about Ally.
Luis Orozco, recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award, was recognized for his significant contributions to the field of higher education and for his continued dedication to empowering students through his role as an Assistant Professor in Ball State’s Center for Information and Communication Sciences. Learn more about Luis.
Frank Galloway, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, was honored for his exceptional service and long-standing support of Teachers College, particularly his work assisting Ball State student teachers and supervisors during the study abroad program at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Learn more about Frank.
These honorees embody the values of service, leadership, and lifelong learning that define the Teachers College community.
Indiana Academy Alum Named NASA Astronaut Candidate
This fall Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities graduate Yuri Kubo (Class of 2004) was selected as one of NASA’s 10 new astronaut candidates, an extraordinary achievement that reflects the Academy’s long-standing commitment to fostering curiosity, innovation, and excellence. Kubo’s path includes engineering degrees from Purdue University and leadership roles at SpaceX, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and Electric Hydrogen. Learn more.
Camp Achieve Celebrates a Summer of Growth and Connection
Camp Achieve had an exciting and impactful summer, welcoming 32 autistic campers to a Minecraft-themed experience at Burris Laboratory School. Supported by dedicated directors and staff, including 22 current Ball State University students, campers engaged in creative, confidence-building activities that helped maintain academic skills and foster lasting friendships.
Throughout the summer, campers explored Ball State’s campus with visits to the Planetarium, Nature Lab, and Rinard Orchid Greenhouse; enjoyed swimming lessons at the historic Ball Gymnasium; and participated in archery, music therapy, and recreation therapy sessions. Thanks to the passion of our team and the generosity of our supporters, Camp Achieve was offered free of charge to all participants.
We’re already looking ahead to Camp Achieve 2026, when we’ll welcome campers back from early June through mid-July for another summer filled with learning, joy, and community.
Burris E-Sports Makes History
In the spring, the Burris Laboratory School E-Sports Valorant team made school history by winning the state tournament and completing an undefeated season. The victory marked Burris’s first year competing in E-Sports at the competitive level and capped off an outstanding debut season defined by teamwork, determination, and skill.
Teachers College Joins Homecoming Bed Races and Takes Top Honors
During this year’s Ball State Homecoming celebration, Teachers College proudly joined the annual Bed Races, one of the University’s most spirited traditions since 1980. Teams of five raced 100 yards down Riverside Avenue, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and Cardinal pride. Making their mark in the event, the Teachers College Student Support Bed Race team earned first place in the Faculty/Staff division, representing TC with energy, collaboration, and true Cardinal spirit.
One Ball State Day 2025: A Year of Impact and Engagement
As we reflect on the past year, One Ball State Day 2025 stands out as a powerful example of community, generosity, and Cardinal pride. During the celebration, Jill Walls, chair of the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies, represented Teachers College in the spirited Dash & Splash event, an in-person tradition at Lewellen Pool where participants race giant inflatable ducks, with winners earning Challenge Funds for the causes they champion.
Cardinals from around the world came together to contribute more than $1.2 million in support of Ball State students, programs, and initiatives. Of that total, Teachers College proudly raised $182,519 for TC-associated funds, strengthening our collective impact.
Save the Date: One Ball State Day returns on April 1, 2026.
Teachers College Alum Named Indiana Teacher of the Year
Teachers College proudly celebrates alumna Megan Johnson ’07, named the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year. A fourth-grade teacher with Plainfield Community School Corporation, Megan exemplifies the impact of a Ball State education through her nearly 20 years of dedication to student belonging, family partnership, and research-based literacy instruction, including leadership in the science of reading. Her recognition reflects the lasting influence of Teachers College graduates across Indiana and beyond. Learn more.
Celebrating Legacy: Nylah Cox Honored with Jessie Nixon Award
This spring, Family and Child Life Studies major Nylah Cox was named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Jessie Nixon Award, which recognizes a graduating senior who has broken barriers and made a lasting impact on the Ball State community. Nylah was formally honored during the Spring Commencement ceremony on May 3, where her leadership, service, and passion for working with youth were celebrated.
A proud Teachers College graduate, Nylah leaves behind a powerful legacy, following in the footsteps of Jessie Nixon, Ball State’s first African American graduate and fellow TC alum. Learn more.
Ready to Launch: Preparing First-Year Teaching Majors for Success
In September, Ball State’s first-year teaching majors gathered in Worthen Arena for Ready to Launch, a carnival-themed event designed to help them begin their journey in the Teachers College. The evening combined essential information with engaging activities, featuring a presentation on student teaching and edTPA, followed by opportunities for students to connect, play games, and enjoy the event atmosphere. After the presentation, students selected free supplies for their future classrooms, marking an exciting and tangible first step toward their careers as educators. See more photos from this event on the Teachers College Instagram.
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