List of Ball State University alumni
This is a list of notable alumni of Ball State University.
Arts, literature, and entertainment
- Christine Barger, actress[1]
- Ellen Bryan, television personality and Miss Ohio 2011[2]
- Claire Buffie, photographer and Miss New York 2010[3]
- Angelin Chang, educator and lawyer[4]
- Frances Currey (1925–2012), artist[5]
- India Cruse-Griffin, artist and educator[6]
- Jim Davis, cartoonist, screenwriter, and producer; best known as the creator of Garfield[7]
- Philip F. Deaver (1946–2018), writer and poet who graduated from St. Joseph's College in 1968; O. Henry and Flannery O'Connor awards winner
- Andy Devine (1905–1977), actor[8]
- Joyce DeWitt, actress[9]
- Ashley C. Ford, writer, podcaster, and educator[10]
- Danny Gaither (1938–2001), gospel singer; best known for his work with the Bill Gaither Trio[11]
- Stedman Graham, publicist and author; long-time companion of Oprah Winfrey[12]
- Scott Halberstadt, retired actor[13]
- Malina Simone Jeffers, community organizer and co-founder of Ganggang[14]
- Doug Jones, actor[15]
- David Letterman, television host, comedian, writer, and producer; The Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming has been a repeated contributor to the university[16]
- Mike Lopresti, national sportswriter for Gannett News Service[17]
- Cheryl Anne Lorance, artist[18]
- David Loughery (1953–2024), screenwriter and film producer[19]
- Ess McKee, artist[20]
- Larry Monroe (1942–2014), radio personality[21]
- Anthony Montgomery, actor and graphic novelist[22]
- Sister Edith Pfau (1915–2001), painter, sculptor, and art educator[23]
- Sam Smith, sportswriter[24]
- Israel Solomon, artist[25]
- Kim Sun-a (김선아), South Korean actress[26]
- Tiara Thomas, R&B singer[27]
- Nelly Vuksic, Argentine conductor and musician[28]
- Bill Wallace, martial artist, former professional kickboxer, and actor[29]
- Cynda Williams, actress[30]
Business
- Angela Ahrendts, British-American businesswoman[31]
- Brian Gallagher, nonprofit executive[32]
- Craig W. Hartman, honorary doctorate, architect and design partner at SOM[33]
- Peter Jubeck (1936–2003), businessman[34]
- Kent C. Nelson (1937–2023), businessman[35]
- John Schnatter, founder and former chairman of Papa John's[35]
Politics and government
- Amanda Carpenter, author, political advisor, and speechwriter[36]
- Christopher M. Goff, justice, Indiana Supreme Court (2017–present)[37]
- Jeffrey D. Feltman, diplomat[38]
- Suzette Kimball, 16th director of the United States Geological Survey, a bureau of the United States Department of the Interior[39]
- Brent McMillan, former national political director for the Green Party[40]
- Rodney C. Moen, former Wisconsin state senator
- Richard Mourdock, 53rd Indiana state treasurer[41]
- Frank J. Mrvan, U.S. representative for Indiana's 1st congressional district (2021– )[42]
- John Rarick (1924–2009), U.S. representative for Louisiana's 6th congressional district (1967–1975)[43]
Sports
National Football League
- Blaine Bishop, former NFL player, Tennessee Titans[44]
- Robert Brewster, former NFL player (offensive tackle), Dallas Cowboys[45]
- Rush Brown (1954–2020), NFL player (defensive tackle), St. Louis Cardinals
- Corey Croom, former NFL player (running back), New England Patriots
- Jerome Davis, former NFL player, Detroit Lions[46]
- Reggie Hodges, former NFL player (punter)[47]
- Ed Konopasek, former NFL player (offensive tackle), Green Bay Packers[48]
- Brad Maynard, former NFL player (punter)[49]
- Keith McKenzie, former NFL player (linebacker and defensive end)[50]
- Bernie Parmalee, former NFL player and current running backs coach for the Carolina Panthers[51]
- Danny Pinter, NFL player (center), Indianapolis Colts[52]
- Dante Ridgeway, former NFL player (wide receiver)[53]
- Terry Schmidt, dentist and former NFL player (cornerback)[54]
- Willie Snead, NFL player (wide receiver)[55]
- Shafer Suggs, former NFL player[56]
National Basketball Association
- Theron Smith, former NBA player (small forward)[57]
- Bonzi Wells, college basketball coach and former NBA player (shooting guard/small forward)[58]
Major League Baseball
- Larry Bigbie, former MLB player (outfielder)[59]
- Bryan Bullington, former MLB player (pitcher)[60]
- Alex Call, MLB player (outfielder)[61]
- Zach Cole, MLB player (outfielder)
- Jeremy Hazelbaker, former MLB player (outfielder)[62]
- Thomas Howard, former MLB player (outfielder)[63]
- Drey Jameson MLB player (pitcher)[61]
- Chayce McDermott, MLB player (pitcher)[61]
- Kyle Nicolas, MLB player (pitcher)[61]
- Zach Plesac, MLB player (pitcher)[61]
- Merv Rettenmund (1943–2024), NFL draft pick (Dallas Cowboys), 13-year MLB player (outfielder)[64]
- Brad Snyder, former MLB player (outfielder)[65]
Other athletes
- Jarrod Jones, American-Hungarian basketball player, Israeli Basketball Premier League
- Marcus Norris, former basketball player, 2003-04 Israeli Basketball Premier League Defensive Player of the Year
- John Paul Sr., former racing driver and fugitive
- Sunungura Rusununguko, former football player, Arena Football League
- Apsara Sakbun, swimmer who represented Cambodia in the 2024 Summer Olympics[66]
- Jamill Smith, former football player (wide receiver)
- Terrence Watson, American-Israeli former basketball player, Israeli Basketball Premier League
Other
- Arnie Ball, former men's volleyball coach at Purdue-Fort Wayne[67]
- Bill Doba, football coach at Washington State University[68]
- David Haugh, sports columnist for Chicago Tribune
- Brady Hoke, former head football coach, University of Michigan, San Diego State University and Ball State University[69]
- Jon Hoke, assistant football coach with the Chicago Bears[70]
- Ray McCallum, basketball coach at University of Detroit Mercy, Ball State, and University of Houston[71]
- Mark Patrick, sports radio personality[72]
- Kelly Sheffield, volleyball coach at Wisconsin, also coached at Albany 2001–2007 and Dayton 2008–2012[73]
- Dave Shondell, women's volleyball coach at Purdue[74]
- Don Shondell, ESPN and ABC collegiate volleyball commentator[75]
- Craig Skinner, women's volleyball coach at Kentucky
- Jason Whitlock, commentator for Fox Sports One, former sports columnist for The Kansas City Star, AOL Sports, and ESPN.com[76]
References
- ^ "Ventriloquist in Hollywood". Ventriloquist in Hollywood - Ball State Daily. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ "Miss America".
- ^ Hernandez, Sharon (March 22, 2011). "Miss New York to talk about GLBTQ support". Ball State Daily News. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ Mantione, Meryl. "Grammy Winner Angelin Chang named School of Music Outstanding Alumni for 2007". Ball State Alumni Newsletter. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ "Primitive artist, longtime gallery owner Grandma Fran dies at 87". Carroll County News. December 7, 2012. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
- ^ "India Cruse-Griffin". Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "The Man Behind the Cat". Ball State University. Archived from the original on August 14, 2011. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ "Andy Devine Biography". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ "'Three's Company' star Joyce Dewitt returns to campus". Ball State Newscenter. November 14, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ Bailey, Leslie (May 24, 2015). "Writer/lit lover Ashley Ford shares journey to memoir". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Local Nazarene Group Plans Special Youth Week Services". Ohio, Lima. Lima News. January 31, 1959. p. 4. Retrieved March 6, 2016 – via Newspaperarchive.com.
- ^ "About Stedman Graham". Stedman Graham & Associates. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ "Acting and Musical Theatre Guest Artists". Ball State University. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ Muhammad, Sumayyah (March 9, 2021). "Ball State alumna launches development firm GANGGANG to invest in artistic 'people of culture'". The Indianapolis Recorder. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Hollywood actor Doug Jones to attend Muncie screening of 'My Name is Jerry'". Ball State Newscenter. April 14, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ "Ball State names new building after famous alumnus". Ball State Newscenter. July 30, 2007. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ "CHIRP: Know Your Opponent - Ball State vs. Indiana". Ball State Daily News. March 23, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ "At The Gallery: Cast Bronze Sculpture by Cheryl Anne Lorance". www.atthegallery.com. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
- ^ "Movies". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2013. Archived from the original on October 20, 2013.
- ^ McGowan, Chloe (March 2, 2023). "Indy-based artist Ess McKee is making her mark on the city". The Indianapolis Recorder. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ Blackstock, Peter (January 20, 2014). "Larry Monroe remembered for his love and knowledge of music". The Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ "Ball State grad Anthony Montgomery finds a new 'Enterprise'". Ball State Daily News. October 3, 2001. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ Blust, Christina (May 15, 2012). "A Sister Edith Pfau Evangelist". Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ "Journalism Hall of Fame". Ball State University. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ "Israel Solomon". IndyArtsGuide.org. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ "Kim Sun-a - Actor Filmography، photos، Video". elCinema.com. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Seth (June 29, 2021). "Indy's Tiara Thomas Is Halfway To An EGOT". Indianapolis Monthly. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "César Vuksic – The Quintet of the Americas". quintetoftheamericas.org. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ "Bill "Superfoot" Wallace". USA Dojo. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ Williams, Cynda (Cindy). "Cynda Williams: The heavens had different plans". The Star Press. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ "Burberry CEO and Ball State alum Angela Ahrendts to speak March 16". Ball State Daily News. March 4, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ "Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, named Ball State trustee". bsu.edu. Archived from the original on January 27, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
- ^ Wood, Jim (March 18, 2011). "Architect Craig Hartman". Marin Magazine. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ Dozier, Vickki (June 21, 2016). "Clara's Lansing Station to close doors on Sunday after 38 years". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ a b "Hall of Fame". Ball State University. Miller College of Business. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ "Amanda Carpenter". TownHall.com. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ https://www.in.gov/courts/supreme/justices/christopher-goff/
- ^ "Jeffrey D. Feltman". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ "Suzette Kimball". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
- ^ "Brent McMillan". Green Party of the United States. Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ "About the Treasurer". Indiana.gov. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ Babcock, Abby (July 13, 2021). "Leadership Life Series: Congressman Frank J. Mrvan". NWI. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- ^ "Rarick, John Richard". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ "Blaine Bishop". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Robert Brewster". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Jerome Davis". profootballarchives.com. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ^ "Reggie Hodges". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Ed Konopasek". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Brad Maynard". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Keith McKenzie". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
- ^ "Bernie Parmalee". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Danny Pinter". Indianapolis Colts. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ "Dante Ridgeway". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Terry Schmidt". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Willie Snead". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- ^ "Shafer Suggs". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Theron Smith". Basketball Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Bonzi Wells Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more". Basketball-Reference.com.
- ^ "Larry Bigbie". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Bryan Bullington". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e Voga, Cody (March 13, 2025). "Ball State's Major League pipeline continues to shine". Ball State University. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Jeremy Hazelbaker". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
- ^ "Thomas Howard (baseball player)". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Merv Rettenmund". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Brad Snyder". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Swimming Alumna Apsara Sakbun to Represent Cambodia in Paris Olympics". Ball State Sports.com. June 28, 2024.
- ^ "Arnie Ball - Men's Volleyball".
- ^ "Bill Doba". Washington State University Athletics. April 18, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Brady Hoke". Ball State University. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Jon Hoke". Ball State University. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Ray McCallum". University of Houston. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Mark Patrick". Indianapolis Indiana. Archived from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Coach Bio". uwbadgers.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
- ^ "Dave Shondell". CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Don Shondell". Ball State University. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ^ "Jason Whitlock". Ball State University. Retrieved October 7, 2013.