Ball State’s Academic Reputation Growing

It gave us the minds behind “The Late Show” and “Garfield,” put a little town called Muncie on the map for more than just jars, and proved that the cardinal really is “the fiercest of the robin-sized birds.” In fact, what was once a small teacher’s college has become a rising academic star, and Ball State’s new image is based more on solid programs, value, and technology than its few famous faces.

Until recently, Ball State’s underground reputation was based more on “extra-curricular activities” and an occasional jab from David Letterman than its curriculum or faculty. The university has carried a reputation as a party school for years (which is not entirely without merit), most likely from being named to the top twenty on a list released by “Playboy” in 1987.

Now, however, Ball State’s academic reputation has gained as much attention as its social climate. The university has garnered much attention in recent years as it has worked to improve its programs through grants, and has been awarded a number of prestigious “Lilly Endowment” grants to work towards that goal. Through that money, Ball State has been able to create journalism and telecommunications programs that are being recognized as some of the top in the country. The university’s architecture, entrepreneurship, business, nursing, and teaching programs are all nationally competitive, as well, making Ball State an eclectic mix of notable academic programs.

Unfortunately, Ball State’s athletics department cannot lay claim to the same reputation enhancement the university’s schools have garnered. With budget and program cuts, controversy surrounding student-athletes, and a football program in 2005 that was rated one of the worst in the country week after week by ESPN, the university’s athletic department has seen better days.

Still, there are glimmers of hope. Though the highly-funded programs are faltering, some of Ball State’s less-hyped teams are coming through. The men’s tennis and volleyball teams are consistent performers, as is the golf team. Administrative changes, including the hiring of head basketball coach Ronny Thompson, also give fans a new – if cautious – hope for the future.

Despite the Cardinals’ lacking athletics programs, however, Ball State has a plethora of other activities and groups to occupy students’ time. If being a fan of Cardinal football isn’t on the agenda, for example, Ball State offers dozens of club and intramural sports for students interested in competing. The same variety goes for academic and hobby-based groups, as there seems to be a campus group representing every interest, right down to the Knitting and Crocheting club.

The university’s technological prowess is equally impressive in its breadth. Ball State has worked very hard to outfit its campus with wireless internet access, and was named “the #1 Wireless Campus” by Intel in 2005. Couple that with abundant computer labs strewn across campus, first-rate computer and software packages, and extensive equipment checkout for students through the library, and it’s clear that Ball State ranks with the best in terms of tech.

While college tuition continues to increase across the board, Ball State is a university that still offers a value and a growing reputation with professionals in the fields it feeds. That reputation, coupled with its outstanding technological resources and mid-level size means that Ball State should land on an increasing number of academic lists, even if it’s missing from the pages of “Playboy.”