by Madelyn Werner

As part of the Department of Educational Leadership’s Leadership in Action series, we highlight students who exemplify leadership at Ball State. For this feature, we sat down with Heidi Burke to explore her journey through student leadership and her experiences on campus.

Student Background

Heidi is a sophomore at Ball State majoring in Elementary Education. During her time on campus, she has been actively involved in the Teacher Apprenticeship program and the Dean’s Student Advisory Board. In addition, she is a member of Chi Omega.

Leadership Roles and Experiences

Heidi’s involvement in the Teacher Apprenticeship program and the Dean’s Student Advisory Board has played a central role in shaping her leadership journey. Through the apprenticeship program, she was able to begin taking college courses while still in high school and gain early classroom experience, an opportunity that helped her solidify her career path.

“I remember at first I wanted to do social work or teaching, I couldn’t really decide,” Heidi shared. “Then being able to have this internship and being in the classroom, that’s how I decided, because I just loved it so much.”

Beyond the classroom, the apprenticeship program also opened doors for unique leadership opportunities. Heidi had the chance to visit the State House, where she spoke about how the program influenced her college experience and her decision to pursue teaching.

“I got to go to the State House last year and represent Ball State,” she said. “To me, that was being a leader for Ball State. People were coming and hearing what I had to say and looking at me as being someone that was representing, in a way, being a leader for the school.”

Her role on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board has further strengthened her leadership skills. Through this experience, she serves as a voice for her peers, sharing their perspectives with the Dean of Teachers College and contributing to meaningful conversations about student experiences.

Impact on Campus Culture

Heidi emphasized how leadership can foster a strong sense of community on campus. She reflected on a memorable experience with one of her professors, who took the class to Insomnia Cookies.

“It makes me feel more excited about my classes, and that class specifically,” Heidi said. “She’s above me, she’s my professor. In a way, she’s my leader when it comes to what I’m learning in that class. It makes me more excited to go to class and to learn because of all these positive things I’m experiencing.”

Moments like these, she noted, show how leadership, both from faculty and students, can create a supportive environment that encourages engagement and growth.

Memorable Experiences

For Heidi, one of the most meaningful aspects of her college experience has been her personal growth as both a student and a leader. Reflecting on her high school experience, she shared how her sense of belonging has evolved since coming to Ball State.

“In high school, I didn’t have a 4.0. I feel like I didn’t stand out,” she said. “But here, being an average student, it makes me feel really important. I never thought I’d experience that.”

She added that her involvement on campus can serve as encouragement for others, showing that leadership opportunities are accessible to anyone willing to get involved.

Advice for Students Wanting to Get Involved

Heidi’s advice for fellow students is simple but meaningful:

“Connect with teachers and professors.”

She emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and recognizing the opportunities those connections can create. She also encouraged freshmen to get involved early, noting that these experiences can lead to both personal and professional growth.

by Madelyn Werner

Graduate Assistant, Department of Educational Leadership 

M.A. Student, School Counseling

Ball State University