This fall, Liam Whitt will begin his journey at Ball State University as a Mathematics Education major and a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. A graduate of Pendleton Heights High School in Ingalls, Indiana, Liam is preparing for a career where he can help students discover that math can be both engaging and rewarding.

Liam 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.

Choosing a Meaningful Path

For much of high school, Liam imagined a very different future.

“Up until my junior year, I had consistently said that I wanted to be a lawyer.”

That changed when he realized the work that brought him the most fulfillment wasn’t found in a courtroom. It was in helping others learn and succeed.

“My teachers pushed me to pursue a career that would make me happy rather than make a bunch of money. I was truly happy when helping and teaching others, which resulted in me choosing this pathway.”

That encouragement helped Liam recognize that education was the career where he could make the greatest impact.

Choosing Ball State

When it came time to choose a university, the decision was an easy one.

“Ball State’s program for my major far outcompeted all my other choices.”

As he prepares for his first semester, Liam is excited to begin taking courses that will help him become the best educator he can be while building lasting friendships and connections with fellow Cardinals.

Making Math Engaging

After graduation, Liam hopes to teach high school mathematics and change the way students think about a subject that is often misunderstood.

“Math is a subject that is dreaded, especially in high school, and I want to make learning math more engaging.”

During his time at Ball State, Liam hopes not only to grow as an educator but also as a person.

“I hope to learn how to establish friendships and keep those friendships alive while navigating the adult world.”

Pursuing a Dream

Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has allowed Liam to focus on preparing for his future instead of worrying about the financial burden of college.

“Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has really helped me to worry less about paying for college. I can focus on furthering my education without the threat of debt looming over me.”

Liam Whitt sits at the sound and lighting booth in a theater, smiling with his hands raised beside his face in a playful "jazz hands" pose while looking off to the side rather than at the camera. The photo appears to have been taken with a camera flash, brightly illuminating Liam and the wooden U-shaped control desk while the theater behind him remains dark. Rows of empty seats are visible in the background, along with dim aisle lighting. On the desk are a soundboard, laptop, open binder, phone resting on papers, and several writing utensils, highlighting the technical work involved in theater productions. Liam wears a red theater-themed T-shirt, though the design is not fully legible, beneath an unbuttoned dark plaid overshirt. Two partially visible people stand in the aisle behind him, cropped by the edge of the frame.Beyond the Classroom

Outside of academics, Liam enjoys reading, thrifting, and crafting. He loves opportunities to express his creativity and explore new ideas through hands-on projects.

“I love being creative, and doing things that allow the creative side of me to flourish.”

He also enjoys collecting small keepsakes that remind him of special moments and places.

“A fun fact about me is that I love collecting little trinkets.”

As one of the many Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients preparing to study at Ball State, Liam is looking forward to making a positive impact on future students. Teachers College is proud to celebrate students like Liam who are committed to helping others discover confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning through mathematics.