This fall, Megan Slack will begin her journey at Ball State University as an Elementary Education major with a minor in Environmental Outreach and Interpretation. A graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Megan is excited to combine her passion for teaching, creativity, and conservation as she prepares for a career inspiring young learners.

Megan is the next student featured in a Teachers College series highlighting Ball State recipients of the prestigious Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 annually to high-achieving future educators. Recipients use this support as they prepare to make a difference in classrooms across Indiana and beyond.

Megan Slack sits cross-legged on a narrow pier overlooking a lake, smiling as she plays a small guitar resting in her lap. She wears denim overall shorts over a navy blue T-shirt, a gray bandana holding back her hair, and round wire-frame glasses. In front of her, a binder of handwritten notes rests on a guitar case, with one blue flip-flop holding the pages open. Her shoes are off, and a yellow butterfly is painted on one of her shins. Trees and the opposite shore of the lake are visible in the background beneath a cloudy sky.Discovering a Passion for Education

Megan’s path toward becoming an educator began with opportunities to support and encourage younger students.

“In middle school, I had the opportunity to be a ‘chapel parent.’ I was responsible for several younger students during our weekly chapel services, as well as various other activities such as Field Day.”

Through that experience, Megan discovered how rewarding it was to help children grow and thrive.

“Getting to know my ‘chapel kids’ and helping them to thrive was a brand new experience, and so unbelievably rewarding.”

That passion continued to grow through her involvement with the Teens for Nature program at the Fort Wayne Zoo, where she served as a teen counselor for summer camps. The experience challenged her to grow as a leader while strengthening her love for education and conservation.

“I have grown so much through that program, and I’m endlessly grateful to everyone I’ve worked with, campers and adults, who taught me about leadership, inspired my passion for both education and conservation, and encouraged me by showing me the potential I hadn’t yet seen in myself.”

Choosing Ball State

Megan Slack poses with two adults, one standing on each side of her, at what appears to be the 2026 Concordia Scholars Breakfast. All three wear name tags, and the adult on one side has a name tag reading "Vince Slack." Megan wears a burgundy Concordia Lutheran High School polo embroidered with the school logo over a white long-sleeve shirt. They smile together in front of a red-and-black brick wall, with part of a United States flag visible on a stand behind them.For Megan, Ball State offered the combination of opportunities, programs, and community she was looking for in a college experience.

“Ball State ticked all the boxes.”

She was drawn to the University’s respected education program, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong fine arts community. She also appreciated that Ball State felt close enough to home while still allowing her to explore new experiences.

“My parents are both former Cardinals, and I remember visiting campus with my older brothers and being left with a wonderful impression.”

With a family connection to Ball State and excitement for the opportunities ahead, Megan knew she had found a place where she could thrive.

“I knew that Ball State was a place I could see myself thriving.”

Inspiring Young Learners

Megan Slack performs on stage wearing a white athletic sweatsuit with black stripe details. Her hair is partially pulled up with a pink flower clipped at the front, and black makeup on her nose suggests she is portraying a dog. She holds a large cardboard rocket with both hands, its nose made from an empty two-liter bottle, while appearing to speak or sing. Two performers in pink cowboy hats and matching pink outfits stand behind her, with a large pineapple prop and a black stage curtain in the background.After graduation, Megan hopes to teach students in first through third grade, an age group she finds especially exciting because of their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

“Young children have such a passion and excitement for learning and exploring the world around them that is so inspiring.”

During her time at Ball State, Megan hopes to grow as both an educator and an individual by gaining classroom experience, developing confidence, and preparing for her future career.

“I especially want to continue working with children, developing stronger disciplines for myself to help me continue to pursue my own hobbies and interests while staying healthy with a busy schedule, and to practice finding confidence in new environments.”

A Leader Through Service and Creativity

Four young adults wearing matching orange "Teens for Nature" T-shirts and khaki bottoms pose for a selfie at the Fort Wayne Zoo's iconic ZOO letter sculpture. Megan Slack sits on the letter Z with one arm wrapped around her legs and gives a thumbs-up with the other hand. Two others sit on the sculpture, including one laughing with their hands covering their face, while a fourth person stands to the side taking the selfie. The zoo entrance is visible in the background on a sunny day.Megan has spent years developing her leadership skills and exploring her many creative interests. Through the Teens for Nature program at the Fort Wayne Zoo, she has served as a teen counselor for summer camps for five years, an experience that has played an important role in shaping her future career.

She has also been involved with the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir and the Concordia Lutheran High School theatre department, where she participated in performances, worked backstage, helped design artwork, served as a student director, and performed in lead roles.

Megan’s commitment to academics and service was also recognized through her selection as a Concordia Scholar and Koinonia Leader, where she served as a role model, led fellow students, and helped organize service projects.

Pursuing a Dream

Megan Slack performs on stage under bright overhead lighting against a black backdrop. She holds a gold-colored crown with a jeweled top in one hand and several sheets of paper in the other. Her dark brown wavy hair is pulled back with a blue bandana patterned in yellow. With her eyes closed and mouth open, she appears to be delivering an emotional monologue or singing. She wears a light blue three-quarter-sleeve T-shirt with a blue and orange graphic design.Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has helped Megan pursue her dream of becoming an educator while reducing the financial burden of college.

“The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship enables me to pursue my passion for education and helping to teach and inspire the upcoming generations of artists, scientists, and all kinds of change-makers.”

She is grateful for the opportunity to continue her education while preparing to make a meaningful impact in her community.

“It is an incredible blessing to me and my family, and I am so honored to have been selected as one of the awardees.”

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of academics, Megan enjoys immersing herself in stories and creative projects. She loves reading, writing, drawing, creating and listening to music, watching cartoons, crafting, and designing her own stories. She hopes to someday publish a graphic novel.

Megan also enjoys collaborating with her brothers through creative projects, including proofreading, composing music, and playing Dungeons and Dragons together.

Six people pose in front of a colorful mural with two dogs. Three wear SPCA shirts or sweatshirts, while the other three wear matching shirts that read “Adopt A Fur-Ever Friend” with three paw prints. One person holds a large ceremonial check made out to the Allen County SPCA for $1,173.00. The check is dated September 8, 2019, with “Fur-ever Friends” in the memo line and “Megan’s Mural Project” on the signature line.Her creativity and dedication to her community were evident from a young age. In fifth grade, Megan created a mural to raise funds and awareness for local animal shelters. The project allowed her to work with local artists, participate in interviews, and collaborate with community members. Today, the mural stands near her high school and features the message “Adopt a fur-ever friend,” along with a tribute to her childhood dog, Lucy.

As one of the many Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients who chose Ball State, Megan is joining a community of future educators committed to making a difference. Teachers College is proud to celebrate students like Megan who bring curiosity, creativity, compassion, and a passion for learning to the future of education.