Dean Katrina Bulkley marked one year at the helm of Ball State University’s Teachers College this summer. We caught up with her to reflect on her transition to Muncie, the joys and challenges of the role, and what she’s most excited about in the year ahead.

Why Ball State?

For Dean Bulkley, Ball State’s Teachers College stood out as a place where innovation meets impact.

“The national reputation of Teachers College in general, and especially as a place that prepares exceptional professionals, was very appealing,” she shares. “It also has a well-earned reputation for being a place that is willing to experiment and innovate and an institution that is deeply engaged in its community.”

She was also excited by the unique units housed within TC, including Burris Laboratory School, the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, the Office of Charter Schools, and Ball State’s partnership with Muncie Community Schools.

“I’ve studied charter schools for almost 30 years,” she notes, “and I was really drawn to the opportunity to work directly with programs and partnerships that serve schools and communities in such meaningful ways.”

Settling into Muncie

Transitioning from New Jersey to Indiana came with a few surprises—but mostly welcome ones.

“People in Indiana are genuinely so welcoming! I tell people all the time that ‘Hoosier Hospitality’ isn’t just a myth,” she says. “And I really love the phrase, ‘we’re so glad you’re here’—I’m trying to adopt it myself.”

There have been a few funny moments, like mishearing the word “carry-in” as “carrion.” And while she’s not yet tried Pizza King (“New Jersey pizza is hard to beat”), she’s been impressed by Muncie’s doughnut culture.

Facing Challenges with Optimism

Taking on a new leadership role always comes with a learning curve, and Dean Bulkley’s first year was no exception.

“Aside from the predictable challenges of getting to know people, departments, programs, research, and university processes, the main challenge has been that there is a lot of change in the overall landscape of higher education,” she explains.

Fortunately, Ball State’s clear mission and strong leadership made a difference.

“I feel fortunate to be at an institution such as Ball State that has a very clear set of values and priorities and a strong leadership team – this always helps but is particularly critical when changes are underway.”

Finding Joy in the Work

Despite the pace of change, Dean Bulkley has found her work deeply rewarding.

“There are just so many moving parts in TC, so many fantastic people, and so much wonderful work,” she says. “It definitely has felt like the proverbial ‘drinking from a fire hose.’ But I inherited an exceptional leadership and administrative team and really love going into work every day!”

She also appreciates the grace and kindness of those around her, even when she’s needed a few reintroductions along the way.

Looking Ahead

As she enters her second year, Dean Bulkley is excited to continue supporting others in pursuing work that makes a difference.

“One of the aspects of leadership that I really love is knowing what folks are passionate about and trying to position them so that they can pursue those passions in ways that have real social impact.”

She’s especially eager to support two of TC’s community-serving clinics: the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Psychoeducational Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic.

“I am working with the two clinics to see if we can get resources in place to allow them to expand their services so as to better serve families, children, and the community.”

Meet the Bulkley/Rabner Family

Dean Bulkley is excited to be joined soon by her husband, Guy, a recently retired Italian and Spanish teacher. He and their youngest daughter, Talia, remained in New Jersey this past year so Talia could finish high school. Now, with Talia heading to college, Guy is preparing for his full-time move to Muncie.

Their older daughter, Sarah, is already in Muncie this summer participating in the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP) through the College of Sciences and Humanities.

Even Guy’s father, Hal, has made the move—he now lives at Westminster Village. “I feel so fortunate to have such an exceptional and caring senior community so close by,” Bulkley adds.

Outside the Office

When she’s not on campus, Dean Bulkley enjoys long walks while listening to podcasts or audiobooks.

“I’ve always been a big reader of fiction, and love being able to combine the stress relief and exercise of walking with listening.”

A Message from the Dean

Looking back on her first year, Dean Bulkley feels a deep sense of pride and purpose.

“It sounds cheesy, I realize, but I am genuinely incredibly proud to be the Dean of Teachers College and part of the Ball State community. Chirp chirp!”