Ball State University recognized faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions to the University community during Fall Opening Convocation, held Aug. 21 at Emens Auditorium.
The 2026 award recipients are:
Lawhead Award in General Education
August A. Roberson
Mathematical Sciences
Excellence in Teaching Award
Michelle L. Cline
Elementary Education
Kate H. Elliott
School of Journalism and Strategic Communication
Rodney K. Taylor
English
Rawlings Award for Distance Education
Lakshika N. Kuruppuarachchi
Information Systems and Operations Management
Outstanding Inclusiveness Leadership Award
Nidia P. Flis
Modern Languages and Cultures
Outstanding Creative Endeavor Award
Diana Grisanti
Theatre and Dance
Outstanding Advisor Award
Benjamin A. Strack
Media
Outstanding Professional Employee Award
Lindsey M. Speer
Undergraduate Admissions
Outstanding Faculty Service Award
Laura L. S. O’Hara
Communication Studies
Outstanding Teaching Award
David A. Call
School of Earth, Atmosphere, and Sustainability
Outstanding Research Award
Paul A. Venturelli
Biology
Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
Bryant H. Keirns
Nutrition and Health Science
Outstanding Faculty Award
Jennifer S. Blackmer
Theatre and Dance