WikiMili
List of Ball State University alumni
Last updated
August 27, 2025
This is a
dynamic list
and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by
adding missing items
with
reliable sources
.
This is a
list of notable
alumni
of
Ball State University
.
Contents
Arts, literature, and entertainment
Business
Politics and government
Sports
National Football League
National Basketball Association
Major League Baseball
Other athletes
Other
References
Arts, literature, and entertainment
Christine Barger
, actress
[
1
]
Bridget Bobel,
Miss Indiana USA
2006
[
2
]
Ellen Bryan
, television personality and
Miss Ohio
2011
[
3
]
Claire Buffie
, photographer and
Miss New York
2010
[
4
]
Angelin Chang
, educator and lawyer
[
5
]
Brian Collins, reporter at
KXXV-TV
in
Waco, Texas
; best known for "
Boom goes the dynamite
"
viral video
[
6
]
Frances Currey
(1925–2012), artist
[
7
]
India Cruse-Griffin
, artist and educator
[
8
]
Jim Davis
, cartoonist, screenwriter, and producer; best known as the creator of
Garfield
[
9
]
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
[
10
]
Joyce DeWitt
, actress
[
11
]
Ashley C. Ford
, writer, podcaster, and educator
[
12
]
Danny Gaither
(1938–2001), gospel singer; best known for his work with the
Bill Gaither Trio
[
13
]
Stedman Graham
, publicist and author; long-time companion of
Oprah Winfrey
[
14
]
Scott Halberstadt
, retired actor
[
15
]
Malina Simone Jeffers
, community organizer and co-founder of
Ganggang
[
16
]
Doug Jones
, actor
[
17
]
David Letterman
, television host, comedian, writer, and producer;
The Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming
has been a repeated contributor to the university
[
18
]
Mike Lopresti
, national sportswriter for
Gannett News Service
[
19
]
Cheryl Anne Lorance
, artist
[
20
]
David Loughery
(1953–2024), screenwriter and film producer
[
21
]
Ess McKee
, artist
[
22
]
Larry Monroe
(1942–2014), radio personality
[
23
]
Anthony Montgomery
, actor and graphic novelist
[
24
]
Sister Edith Pfau
(1915–2001), painter, sculptor, and art educator
[
25
]
Sam Smith
, sportswriter
[
26
]
Israel Solomon
, artist
[
27
]
Kim Sun-a
(김선아), South Korean actress
[
28
]
Tiara Thomas
, R&B singer
[
29
]
Kevin James Thornton, comedian; best known for Comedy Special “Be Yourself”
[
30
]
Nelly Vuksic
, Argentine conductor and musician
[
31
]
Bill Wallace
, martial artist, former professional kickboxer, and actor
[
32
]
Cynda Williams
, actress
[
33
]
Ryan Woodle, actor
[
34
]
Business
Angela Ahrendts
, British-American businesswoman
[
35
]
Brian Gallagher
, nonprofit executive
[
36
]
Craig W. Hartman
,
honorary doctorate
, architect and design partner at
SOM
[
37
]
Peter Jubeck
(1936–2003), businessman
[
38
]
Kent C. Nelson
(1937–2023), businessman
[
39
]
John Schnatter
, founder and former chairman of
Papa John's
[
39
]
Politics and government
Amanda Carpenter
, author, political advisor, and speechwriter
[
40
]
Jeffrey D. Feltman
, diplomat
[
41
]
Suzette Kimball
, 16th Director of the
United States Geological Survey
, a bureau of the
United States Department of the Interior
[
42
]
Brent McMillan
, former national political director for the
Green Party
[
43
]
Rodney C. Moen
, former Wisconsin State Senator
Richard Mourdock
, 53rd
Indiana State Treasurer
[
44
]
Frank J. Mrvan
,
U.S. Representative
for
Indiana's 1st congressional district
(2021– )
[
45
]
John Rarick
(1924–2009),
U.S. Representative
for
Louisiana's 6th congressional district
(1967–1975)
[
46
]
Sports
National Football League
Blaine Bishop
, former
NFL
player,
Tennessee Titans
[
47
]
Robert Brewster
, former NFL player (offensive tackle),
Dallas Cowboys
[
48
]
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
[
49
]
Reggie Hodges
, former NFL player (punter)
[
50
]
Ed Konopasek
, former NFL player (offensive tackle),
Green Bay Packers
[
51
]
Brad Maynard
, former NFL player (punter)
[
52
]
Keith McKenzie
, former NFL player (linebacker and defensive end)
[
53
]
Bernie Parmalee
, former NFL player and current running backs coach for the
Carolina Panthers
[
54
]
Danny Pinter
, NFL player (center),
Indianapolis Colts
[
55
]
Dante Ridgeway
, former NFL player (wide receiver)
[
56
]
Terry Schmidt
, dentist and former NFL player (cornerback)
[
57
]
Willie Snead
, NFL player (wide receiver)
[
58
]
Shafer Suggs
, former NFL player
[
59
]
National Basketball Association
Theron Smith
, former
NBA
player (small forward)
[
60
]
Bonzi Wells
, college basketball coach and former NBA player (shooting guard/small forward)
[
61
]
Major League Baseball
Larry Bigbie
, former
MLB
player (outfielder)
[
62
]
Bryan Bullington
, former MLB player (pitcher)
[
63
]
Alex Call
, MLB player (outfielder)
[
64
]
Jeremy Hazelbaker
, former MLB player (outfielder)
[
65
]
Thomas Howard
, former MLB player (outfielder)
[
66
]
Drey Jameson
MLB player (pitcher)
[
64
]
Chayce McDermott
, MLB player (pitcher)
[
64
]
Kyle Nicolas
, MLB player (pitcher)
[
64
]
Zach Plesac
, MLB player (pitcher)
[
64
]
Merv Rettenmund
(1943–2024),
NFL
draft pick (
Dallas Cowboys
), 13-year MLB player (outfielder)
[
67
]
Brad Snyder
, former MLB player (outfielder)
[
68
]
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
[
citation needed
]
Sunungura Rusununguko
, former football player,
Arena Football League
Apsara Sakbun
, swimmer who represented Cambodia in the
2024 Summer Olympics
[
69
]
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
[
70
]
Bill Doba
, football coach at Washington State University
[
71
]
David Haugh
, sports columnist for
Chicago Tribune
Brady Hoke
, former head football coach,
University of Michigan
,
San Diego State University
and
Ball State University
[
72
]
Jon Hoke
, assistant football coach with the
Chicago Bears
[
73
]
Ray McCallum
, basketball coach at
University of Detroit Mercy
,
Ball State
, and
University of Houston
[
74
]
Mark Patrick
, sports radio personality
[
75
]
Kelly Sheffield
, volleyball coach at
Wisconsin
, also coached at
Albany
2001–2007 and
Dayton
2008–2012
[
76
]
Dave Shondell
, women's volleyball coach at
Purdue
[
77
]
Don Shondell
,
ESPN
and
ABC
collegiate volleyball commentator
[
78
]
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
[
79
]
References
↑
"Ventriloquist in Hollywood"
.
Ventriloquist in Hollywood - Ball State Daily
. Retrieved
January 19,
2024
.
↑
"History"
. Miss Southern Heartland
. Retrieved
August 2,
2011
.
[
permanent dead link
]
↑
"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
.
↑
Wojciechowski, Gene (March 6, 2007).
"Despite 'worst' sportscast, Collins says he'd try again"
.
ESPN Commentary
. Retrieved
August 2,
2011
.
↑
"Primitive artist, longtime gallery owner Grandma Fran dies at 87"
.
Carroll County News
. December 7, 2012
. Retrieved
October 1,
2018
.
↑
"India Cruse-Griffin"
.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
. Retrieved
August 26,
2025
.
↑
"The Man Behind the Cat"
. Ball State University
. 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
.
↑
Steele, Ray (June 7, 2023).
"Kevin James Thornton: Growing up, coming out, and coming home to Indiana"
.
WFYI Public Media
. Retrieved
January 19,
2024
.
↑
"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
.
↑
"BSU"
.
↑
"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
.
↑
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
.
1
2
"Hall of Fame"
.
Ball State University
. Miller College of Business
. Retrieved
August 1,
2011
.
↑
"Amanda Carpenter"
. TownHall.com
. Retrieved
August 1,
2011
.
↑
"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
.
1
2
3
4
5
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
. 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
.
v
t
e
Ball State University
Located in
:
Muncie, Indiana
Academics
Colleges
Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning
Miller College of Business
College of Communication, Information, and Media
Teachers College
Other
Burris Laboratory School
Center for Business and Economic Research
Center for Energy Research/Education/Service
Center for Middletown Studies
Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities
Athletics
Teams
Baseball
Men's basketball
Women's basketball
Football
Men's volleyball
Venues
Irving Gymnasium
Scheumann Stadium
Shebek Stadium
Worthen Arena
Lore
Bronze Stalk Trophy
Charlie Cardinal
Indiana State rivalry
Marching Band
Campus
History
Beneficence
Bracken House
Bracken Library
Christy Woods
Emens Auditorium
Frog Baby
LaFollette Complex
Observatory
Owsley Museum of Art
Shafer Tower
Wheeler-Thanhauser Orchid Collection and Species Bank
Student life
WBST
WBSU-TV
WCRD
WIPB
People
Alumni
Ball brothers
Presidents
Founded
: 1918
Students
: 21,597
Endowment
: $212.8 million
Category
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