Each year, the Ball State University Foundation recognizes exceptional students through the Top 100 Student Awards, honoring undergraduates who embody Beneficence through leadership, service, and academic excellence at Ball State University.

In this series, we’re highlighting Teachers College and secondary education students selected for this recognition, an inspiring group of future educators who are already making an impact on campus, in classrooms, and throughout their communities.

Head-and-shoulders portrait of Kira Arkins smiling at the camera. She has long red hair parted down the middle and tucked behind her ears, and she is wearing glasses. She is dressed in a black T-shirt layered under a red top. The background is a muted gray, keeping the focus on her face.Next in the series is Kira Arkins, a senior majoring in Theatre Education and Communication. Whether she’s directing middle school productions, leading campus organizations, or inspiring audiences through creative presentations, Kira believes theatre has the power to help young people discover confidence, creativity, and their own unique voices.

The Life-Changing Power of Theatre

For Kira, a career in education grew naturally from the experiences that shaped her childhood.

“I grew up in youth theatre programs. These programs helped me grow in confidence, communication, and creativity along with my peers. I want the next generation to experience the life-changing power of theatre.”

Today, she’s pursuing a career dedicated to giving students those same opportunities to grow.

Finding the Right Stage

When Kira began looking at colleges, she wanted a place where she could combine her passions for theatre, communication, and education. Ball State stood out because it offered a path that aligned with the career she envisioned.

“I chose Ball State because it is one of the only schools in the country where I can explore my passion for youth theatre.”

That opportunity has allowed her to develop as both an educator and a performer while preparing for a career that blends creativity with teaching.

Close-up photo of Kira Arkins singing on stage while holding a microphone close to her mouth. She is wearing glasses, and her long red hair is partially pulled back from her face with the rest falling over her shoulders. She is dressed in a muted red square-neck top with a small white floral pattern. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on her as she performs.When Learning Becomes an Experience

One of Kira’s favorite Ball State memories wasn’t a theatrical production; it was a classroom presentation.

Tasked with delivering a “Big Talk” similar to a TED Talk, Kira transformed a speech about children’s movies into an interactive performance complete with costumes, props, and even magic tricks. By the end, she had an audience of around 70 students singing “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka together.

“I explained how it is beneficial for adults to watch children’s movies. I used props, costumes, and magic tricks to convey my argument. At the end of my speech, I convinced the audience to sing ‘Pure Imagination’ from Willy Wonka with me. It was a great moment to see the knowledge from my majors come together to create something magical.”

For Kira, it was the perfect example of how creativity can transform learning into an unforgettable experience.

Leading with Creativity

Twelve people pose for a group photo in what appears to be a classroom. Seven people stand in the back row, while five are in the front. Four people in the front row are kneeling, and the person in the center is seated in a chair. Kira Arkins is second from the left in the front row, wearing a purple-and-white argyle-patterned top. Everyone is dressed casually and smiling at the camera. A large stack of cardboard boxes is visible on the right side of the room, while tables and shelving can be seen on the left.Kira’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. Throughout her time at Ball State, she has taken on leadership roles across campus while finding ways to mentor and encourage others.

Her involvement includes:

  • Worship Leader, Core Group Leader, Treasurer, and Air Jam leader for Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship
  • Secretary of Lambda Pi Eta
  • Vice President of Membership for Sigma Alpha Iota
  • Member of the Theatre Education Club
  • Communication and Event Intern for the College of Sciences and Humanities Success Hub
  • Co-director of Willy Wonka Jr. at Northside Middle School

Each opportunity has reinforced her belief that leadership and creativity go hand in hand.

Looking Toward the Next Generation

Thirty-four people pose for a group photo on a stage with a shiny wood floor and a red curtain backdrop. Most of the group appears to be middle school students, with a few college-aged individuals standing or kneeling along the edges. At the center of the back row, one person wears a black top hat and holds a large prop chocolate bar labeled “Wonka Bar.” Kira Arkins is kneeling on one knee on the right side of the photo, wearing jeans, a black T-shirt, and a gray button-up shirt. The group is smiling as they celebrate what appears to be a production of Willy Wonka Jr.Kira’s career goals reflect her desire to create spaces where students can grow both artistically and personally.

“My ideal plans would be to run after-school theatre programs for middle schoolers and teach speech and theatre during the day. I want to show how theatre helps with public speaking!”

More than anything, she’s excited to watch students discover their own talents.

“I am most looking forward to seeing the next generation grow in theatre and form life-long friends. I can’t wait to see what creativity they bring into the world!”

Advice for Future Educators

If there’s one message Kira hopes future teachers remember, it’s that authenticity matters.

“Embrace your creativity instead of trying to fit in a box. We need people who are willing to do the impossible, especially for the next generation.”

She believes the best educators aren’t afraid to think differently and they inspire their students to do the same.

Kira Arkins stands on stage shaking hands with Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns after receiving her Top 100 Student Award plaque, which she is holding in her left hand. Both Kira and President Mearns are smiling toward the camera. Kira is wearing an above-the-knee black-and-white plaid skirt, a black turtleneck, and a red zip-up jacket. The photo captures the moment she is recognized as one of Ball State University's Top 100 Students.

A Creative Life Beyond the Classroom

Creativity doesn’t stop when classes end.

“I love scrapbooking, singing, reading, watching Disney movies, and almost any type of craft! I’m studying abroad in London this summer!”

This summer, she’s also adding an international experience to her journey by studying abroad in London.

Grateful for the People Along the Way

Reflecting on her time at Ball State, Kira says one of the greatest strengths of the Theatre Education program has been the people who supported one another through change.

“I’m very grateful for my fellow Theatre Education majors. My year has been through a lot with several staff changes, but we always had each other to lean on for support. Thank you, Donna for helping the THED program bloom!”

That sense of community is something she hopes to foster in every classroom and theatre program she leads.

Seven people stand on stage during the Ball State Top 100 Student recognition ceremony. In the center is former College of Fine Arts Dean Seth Beckman, surrounded by the six College of Fine Arts students who were recognized as Top 100 Students and attended the ceremony. All are dressed in business casual attire. Kira Arkins is standing immediately to Dean Beckman's left (third from the right), wearing an above-the-knee black-and-white plaid skirt, a black turtleneck, and a red zip-up jacket. She is smiling and holding her Top 100 Student Award plaque as the group poses for the photo.

Helping Students Find Their Voice

For Kira, theatre has never been just about putting on a performance. It’s about helping young people discover confidence, build relationships, communicate effectively, and believe in themselves.

As she prepares for a career in theatre education, she hopes to create the same kind of transformative experiences that first inspired her, one rehearsal, one classroom, and one student at a time.