A Calling Discovered Early

For Lynette Varner ’80, ’84, a career in education wasn’t something she stumbled into, it was a calling she recognized early and followed with intention.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she recalls. “I used to play teacher in the neighbor’s garage as I gathered the neighborhood children together in the summers.”

That early passion was affirmed in high school through a cadet teaching experience, where she worked one-on-one with a student with special needs. “This confirmed my career choice,” Varner says. From the very beginning, her path was shaped by service, care, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Choosing Ball State: An Investment in Purpose

When it came time to choose a university, Ball State stood out, not just for its reputation, but for what it represented.

“My parents taught us that education was the key to a better life,” Varner shares. “Ball State was known as the premier school in Indiana for educators. There was no question at the time that BSU Teachers College was THE PLACE to go to get the best education if you were planning on being a teacher.”

That belief: that education is both a privilege and a responsibility would later shape her commitment to giving back to the institution that gave her so much.

 

When Passion Met Practice

One of Varner’s most vivid memories as a Ball State student came during her very first practicum experience.

“I remember painstakingly creating transparencies to support the book that I was teaching about, There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon,” she says. “I don’t remember the activity, but I do remember a sense of accomplishment as on that day I knew that I was meant to be a teacher.”

It was a defining moment, one that grounded her identity as an educator and set the stage for decades of meaningful work in classrooms, schools, and beyond.

Staying to Serve: From Alumna to Educator of Educators

After graduation, Varner spent years teaching in public and Catholic schools, serving students across grade levels and eventually stepping into leadership as a principal. But in 2002, her journey came full circle when she returned to Ball State, this time as a faculty member.

“My role as a practicum instructor allowed me to simultaneously make connections with BSU students and classroom educators,” she explains. “I really enjoyed developing relationships.”

Her work as a Professional Development School (PDS) liaison strengthened partnerships between Ball State and local schools, reinforcing a shared commitment to growth, mentorship, and service.

Teaching with Purpose, and Passing It On

Among the many courses she taught, EDEL 350: Teaching in the Elementary Education Classroom held a special place in Varner’s heart. A practicum course for elementary education majors, EDEL 350 bridges theory and practice, immersing students in real classroom settings while focusing on instruction, classroom organization, and management.

“I enjoyed helping them acquire the knowledge and pedagogical background they needed for their varied classroom settings,” Varner says. “It was awesome to see them morph into confident, competent teachers.”

Because the course places students directly in elementary classrooms, Varner had a front-row seat to their growth, watching them apply what they were learning, reflect on their practice, and develop the confidence needed to lead their own classrooms. Each semester concluded with a meaningful ritual, as students officially pledged their commitment to supporting every learner, symbolically marking the moment they had “moved to the teacher side” of the desk.

For Varner, the course wasn’t just about preparing future teachers; it was about passing on a responsibility to serve students with care, intention, and professionalism, an ethos that continues to shape her legacy at Teachers College.

Service Beyond the Classroom: Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club

Varner’s dedication to giving back extended well beyond her formal teaching roles. In 2016, she co-founded the Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club (ADKCC) at Ball State, the very first of its kind in the world.

“What I love most about the club is that the education students have opportunities to serve in their communities, develop their leadership skills, network with other education students and network with practicing and retired teachers,” she says.

Rooted in altruism, educational excellence, and service, the club continues to thrive. Even after retiring in 2021, Varner remains deeply involved, hosting officers in her home and ensuring the club stays connected to the broader community. In March 2026, ADKCC will celebrate its 10th anniversary at Ball State, a milestone built on generosity, mentorship, and shared purpose.

Expanding Horizons: Supporting Students Abroad

Varner’s passion for service also took her across borders. Since 2013, she has supervised Ball State student teachers in Germany, including multiple placements at Ramstein Air Force Base.

“This is such a pivotal time for our student teachers as they experience immense personal and professional growth,” she says. “I love watching them transform as they learn how to physically and metaphorically navigate the world beyond Indiana.”

By supporting students during these formative international experiences, Varner has helped them grow not only as educators, but as global citizens, another meaningful way she continues to give back.

Why Giving Back Matters

At the heart of Varner’s philanthropy is gratitude.

“I feel very blessed by the education and opportunities that were afforded to me in Teachers College,” she shares. “I was able to grow and thrive because of the leadership teams…and I want to see this heritage of helping to continue to be a hallmark of a BSU education.”

Her support of Teachers College is rooted in a desire to ensure future generations of educators have access to the same rich, transformative experiences that shaped her own journey.

A Grateful Reflection, and a Lasting Legacy

As she reflects on her career, Varner is quick to acknowledge the many mentors, colleagues, and leaders who supported her along the way, from her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Rhodes, to former Teachers College Dean Dr. Roy Weaver, whose leadership “set the tone and created an atmosphere where the faculty could flourish.”

“I’ve been fortunate over the years to have such great support from so many,” she says.

Through her teaching, mentorship, service, and philanthropy, Lynette Varner has built a legacy defined by generosity and purpose, one that continues to shape Teachers College and the educators it prepares for years to come.