Ball State’s County Ambassador Program Connects Students With Indiana Communities

When Ella Flanagan (above) talks about Madison County and her hometown of Elwood, her enthusiasm is contagious. As a senior construction management major, she describes her home as “so close knit,” with the kind of support that still feels like a “small hometown community.”

Across the state, chemistry senior Anastasia Faddis (right) says her time at Ball State has deepened her appreciation for Switzerland County. “There is really something to be said for being in a small community where everybody knows everybody and everyone is supporting everybody,” she says. “I love this place.”

Anastasia Faddis, County Ambassador on Dec 9, 2025. Photo by Samantha (Blankenship) Ellis/Ball State University.

Ms. Flanagan and Ms. Faddis are part of Ball State’s Indiana County Ambassador Program, introduced in Fall 2023 as a student-to-student initiative that helps Indiana counties encourage Cardinals to consider living and working in their communities after graduation. County Ambassadors share information about their communities with peers—through social media, classroom conversations, and campus events—while participating in professional development training and representing their counties at Ball State Day at the Indiana Statehouse.

To strengthen these connections even further, Ball State recently launched the Talent Pipeline Toolkit—a user-friendly, digital “one-stop shop” that helps local leaders more easily access University resources supporting workforce development and economic growth. The toolkit centralizes programs like the County Ambassador initiative, the Indiana Connection Lounge, immersive learning projects, and faculty externships.

“Our goal with this toolkit is to demonstrate how attainable and valuable these partnerships can be,” said Becca Rice, vice president for governmental relations and industry engagement. “By putting these opportunities in one place, we hope to break down barriers, encourage collaboration, and strengthen local talent pipelines.”

These efforts align with Ball State’s Our Call to Beneficence campaign, particularly the University’s commitment to serving Indiana and making a positive impact on communities statewide. Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns notes that approximately 80 percent of graduates entering the workforce choose to do so in Indiana, adding, “This toolkit builds on that commitment by connecting communities and employers with programs, partnerships, and talent pipelines that strengthen our economy.”

For Ms. Flanagan, that commitment has become personal. She’s already accepted a position with Compass Commercial Construction Group in Indianapolis and plans to stay in Indiana—possibly even Madison County.

“I’ve made so many connections through my internships and different events that it just feels like it makes the most sense,” she said. “I really do love it here.”