Recent Episode
S13 E04: Year In Review
May 15, 2026
About the Show
Each month, Cardinal Compass will explore the connections between Muncie and Ball State University. Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns and his guests will take the audience behind the scenes of the evolving relationship by exploring the challenges and opportunities that exist.
This show is produced by Ball State students in the College of Communication, Information and Media.
Past Episodes
S13 E03: It Takes a Village to Design the Village
April 17, 2026
The next phase of Ball State’s transformational plan to revitalize The Village is a central plaza called the Village Green. Dozens of students had a role in its design. President Geoffrey Mearns has a conversation with faculty and students from the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning about how the Village Green’s design has been influenced by talented Cardinals.
S13 E02: Building A Partnership, One Home at a Time
March 20, 2026
Ball State University is a partner of Muncie Habitat for Humanity, which helps people realize their dream of home ownership. President Geoffrey Mearns is joined by Lindsey Arthur, CEO of Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity, and Ball State staff and student-athletes, as they discuss how this non-profit organization changes lives in our community.
S13 E01: Optimus Primary
February 20, 2026
“Optimus Primary” is a collaborative initiative designed to help healthcare professionals live and work in East Central Indiana. And with funding from the Ball Brothers foundation, this initiative has engaged Ball State University as one of several partners to help build a healthy future for people all across our region. President Geoffrey S. Mearns is joined by Ball Brothers Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer Jud Fisher to discuss Ball State’s new Optimus Primary initiative.
Learn more about the initiative at https://www.ballfdn.org/optimus-primary.
And learn more about the mission at Maplewood at https://www.bsu.edu/-/media/www/depar…
Our Host:
Geoffrey S. Mearns has served as Ball State University’s 17th president since May 2017.
Under President Mearns’ leadership, Ball State has solidified its reputation as one of the leading public universities in the country. Ball State is recognized for its premier academic programs, its commitment to community engagement, and its reputation as an outstanding employer.