Supporting Students

Beneficence

Student support is embedded in all the programs, initiatives, and over-arching goals of the Our Call to Beneficence campaign.

At Ball State, student support takes many shapes, but for the students who need and receive support, it’s all about shaping their success.

Here are just a few of those success stories currently in the works:

Kayla Thompson

Kayla Thompson, ’23
Graduate Student, Quantitative Psychology | Action Research Collective

“As a member of the Action Research Collective, I’ve had the opportunity to present at the Indiana Association of Blacks in Higher Education Symposium. Presenting my work gave me the opportunity to do new things that I’ve never had the chance to do. I’ve been able to receive feedback from really great faculty mentors, and engage in research—which is very important when you’re interested in continuing in higher education or even continuing in the professional world.”

“Going to college breaks the generational curses that a lot of kids who look like me go through. Graduating college is a milestone that many people in my family couldn’t even think about. I knew I wanted to be a part of a program that would build me up as a teacher. The Ryan Family Scholarship was more than just money; the Ryans and the program staff actually care about us as students.”

Anaiah Lee

Anaiah Lee, senior
Elementary Education and Special Education, Exceptional Needs | Ryan Family Scholars

Megan Pax

Megan Pax, junior
Art Education | Student Emergency Aid Fund

“Last Spring, my father was hospitalized for a long time. So, he was out of work. Usually, my parents help me with studio fees required for my Art Education degree. Unfortunately, they couldn’t help that semester—which also happened to be a critical time for me to take two studios: metals and printmaking. I couldn’t afford to pay the studio fees. Thankfully, the Student Emergency Aid Fund helped me cover those fees so I could earn my degree.”

“I had the opportunity to be paired with a mentor through the Faculty Mentorship Program that is sponsored by Disability Services. My mentor was amazing, and the extra support was a great benefit. My experience with Disability Services has been absolutely incredible. From my freshman year to now, I’ve had constant support, and I’ve always been able to talk with them about any issue related to accessibility, accommodations, or personal needs. They’re always here and willing to help.”

James Nichols

James Nichols, senior
Social Work | Faculty Mentorship Program (Disability Services)

Hope Stauffer

Hope Stauffer, ’23
Graduate Student, Emerging Media Design and Development | Chad Muller Scholarship

“Scholarships have not only helped me financially but have also helped me gain more self-confidence. It’s really easy to fall into the trap of not believing in yourself or not knowing if your work is good enough. When I received the Chad Muller Scholarship, it boosted my confidence and reminded me why I love the visual arts and storytelling. I had the opportunity to take an Immersive Learning class where I got to be part of a documentary crew. This class was one of the highlights of my undergraduate education because I got real-world experience.”

“Receiving a scholarship has helped me feel like I belong at Ball State. It empowered me to know that other people believe I’m as smart and successful as I believe I am. I’m a first-generation college student, so getting the Shipley Fellowship pushed me to excel in my academics and my major. The connections that I’ve made with current students and alumni have been an absolutely amazing experience.”

Katie Witte

Katie Witte, senior
Business Analytics | Ed Shipley Alumni Association Fellowship Scholarship

Ishan Witanachchi

Ishan Witanachchi, freshman
Computer Science | Nole L. and Rosalyn M. Walters Scholarship

“Money for college was always a concern in my household. The Nole L. and Rosalyn M. Walters Scholarship serves not only as financial support but also as an investment in my future. In my Computer Science major, I hope to continue researching links between technology and music, as well as find important internship opportunities where I can make a difference. I want to help change the world by uplifting people and using my voice as a platform of positivity.”

“My experience with Cardinal Kitchen as a volunteer has honestly changed who I am. I started volunteering as a freshman to get some community service under my belt. As I started coming more, I realized that I really enjoy volunteering and the sense of community I’ve felt from meeting different volunteers and patrons. Every week, it gives me a lot of strength to keep going. I hope for Cardinal Kitchen to continue to grow and expand, and for more students to be aware of what we have here. It’s an area where we can all come together and support one another as a community.”

Rainna Yarborough