Why Celebrities Keep Coming to Muncie | President Mearns, Ball State University

Chirp chirp! On today's show I sat down with Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns to learn why he chose Ball State and Muncie, emphasizing education's transformational power, Ball State's residential campus, and the university's responsibility to support community growth. President Mearns explains Ball State's origins from the Ball Brothers' 1917 gift, its continuing strength in teacher education, and high Indiana retention among graduates. He dives into Ball State's nationally recognized media and Sports Link programs and alumni engagement, including David Letterman bringing Netflix and ESPN productions to campus and the Letterman Speaker Series. President Mearns also shares Hugh Jackman's visits and positive view of Muncie as a resilient post-industrial community. Our conversation covers Ball State's partnership with Muncie Community Schools, progress in student outcomes, and a major Village revitalization plan featuring a performing arts center, hotel, innovation hub, housing and green space.   If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Ball State University's Origins from the Ball Brothers - Ball State's Media Program and David Letterman Speaker Series - Muncie's Village Revitalization Plan Thank you to our partners: Berne Apparel Hope Plumbing Check out these great clips from the show: 01:19 Guest Introduction: President Mearns, Ball State University 02:18 Why Ball State and Muncie 05:36 First Impressions of Muncie 06:40 Ball Family and Founding Story 08:46 Teacher College Impact 09:50 Keeping Talent in Indiana 12:30 Media Program Powerhouse 15:51 David Letterman and Caitlin Clark 17:03 How the Netflix Episode Happened 19:49 Letterman's Humble Character 23:17 Hugh Jackman Visits Ball State 27:38 Letterman Speaker Series Tease 27:50 Celebrity Workshops Fund 28:57 Muncie Schools Partnership 31:36 Progress and Outcomes 33:35 Emens Giving Story 37:00 Village Revitalization Plan 40:39 Running and Trails 43:30 Why Indiana Feels Like Home 46:40 Arts Culture and Downtown 48:48 Indiana Favorites and Hoosier Spotlight Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.