Ball State is proud to announce that senior Abigail Denault has been honored by Community-Engaged Alliance with the Richard J. Wood Community Commitment Award, becoming the first student from Ball State to receive this prestigious recognition. Funded by Michael and Betsy Wood in memory of Dr. Richard J. Wood, the award celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community engagement and the advancement of civic responsibility.
Abigail, a Journalism major with a minor in Global Studies, was selected based on her extensive contributions to community engagement, leadership, and advocacy for democratic values. Her commitment to community service, journalism, and public engagement reflects Dr. Wood’s legacy of inspiring students to be stewards of their communities.
Abigail’s journey at Ball State has been marked by a dedication to community service. As a Democracy Fellow with the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL), she has been instrumental in the Cardinals Vote! initiative, a campus-wide campaign to promote voter registration and civic participation among students. Her role involves providing non-partisan voting information and fostering a well-informed student body, which has made her an invaluable resource to the campus community.
“Abigail exemplifies the qualities of community engagement and leadership that this award seeks to recognize,” notes Dr. David J. Roof, “Her commitment to ensuring that her peers are empowered with accurate information about voting and democratic engagement is remarkable. Abigail has consistently demonstrated a passion for strengthening democratic values on campus.”
In addition to her civic work, Abigail has been a distinguished member of Ball State’s student media. She previously served as the Executive Editor of Ball Bearings Magazine and was the News Section Editor of The Daily News. Known for her professionalism and dedication to journalistic ethics, Abigail produced insightful coverage on key issues, including a feature on CECL’s CREATE civic education project with Muncie Community Schools.
Her academic achievements further underscore her commitment to excellence. A member of Ball State's Honors College, she has maintained high academic standards and earned a spot on the Dean’s List.
Abigail’s minor in Global Studies has broadened her perspective on the importance of engagement beyond local borders. As an active member of the Grand Strategy, Security, and Statecraft Group (G3SG), she regularly engages in discussions on diplomacy and global affairs, integrating a global context into her commitment to community engagement. Her passion for civic involvement extends to her home state of Illinois, where she has served as an election judge, helping ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Her hands-on experience as an election judge provided her with a deeper understanding of the electoral process and solidified her belief in the power of active, informed citizenship—a core tenet of the Richard J. Wood Student Community Commitment Award.
Abigail participated in Ball State’s Teacher-Scholar Program, where she collaborated with a faculty member on research and creative projects, engaging as a colleague in these endeavors.
As the award’s recipient, Abigail will engage in a yearlong series of events organized by the Community-Engaged Alliance, including speaking engagements and presentations on her work in civic engagement. She will also have the opportunity to present her research and program models during the 2026 Annual Retreat, where she will share insights on journalism, civic responsibility, and her vision for engaging communities in democratic processes.
The Richard J. Wood Student Community Commitment Award, established in 1996, celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to community engagement and civic leadership. Abigail’s unwavering commitment to community service, her excellence in journalism, and her leadership in initiatives that promote civic participation embody the award’s values and mission.
Abigail’s accomplishments and commitment to upholding democratic values highlight her as a role model for future civic leaders. Ball State University is proud to celebrate her as a leader in community engagement and a champion of journalistic integrity.
Award Presentation
A celebration and award presentation in honor of Abigail Denault’s achievement will be held on December 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the Administration Building. Provost Anand Marri, along with representatives from the Community-Engaged Alliance, will join university faculty, staff, and students in recognizing Abigail’s significant contributions to community engagement and civic leadership. If you are interested in the event please contact David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu.