List of Ball State University alumni explained

This is a list of notable alumni of Ball State University.

Arts, literature, and entertainment

• Christine Barger, actor; best known for iCarly, Superstore, American Pie: Beta House, Barry^[1]
• Bridget Bobel, Miss Indiana USA 2006^[2]
• Ellen Bryan, Miss Ohio 2011^[3]
• Claire Buffie, Miss New York 2010^[4]
• Angelin Chang, Grammy-award-winning classical pianist^[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]
• Jim Davis, cartoonist of Garfield^[8]
• Philip F. Deaver, 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, Stagecoach^[9]
• Joyce DeWitt, actress in Three's Company^[10]
• Ashley C. Ford, writer for BuzzFeed, ELLE and others
• Danny Gaither, Christian 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, actor in Nickelodeon's Drake & Josh^[13]
• Doug Jones, actor in Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth, Hocus Pocus, and "Mac Tonight"^[14]
• David Letterman, retired host of the Late Show with David Letterman; The Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming has been a repeated contributor to the university^[15]
• Mike Lopresti, national sportswriter for Gannett News Service^[16]
• Cheryl Anne Lorance, artist^[17]
• David Loughery, screenwriter and film producer^[18]
• Larry Monroe (1942–2014), radio personality^[19]
• Anthony Montgomery, actor, , General Hospital^[20]
• Sister Edith Pfau (1915–2001), painter, sculptor, and art educator^[21]
• Sam Smith, journalist for the Chicago Tribune^[22]
• Israel Solomon, artist^[23]
• Kim Sun-a (김선아), South Korean actress in She's on Duty and My Name is Kim Sam Soon^[24]
• Tiara Thomas, R&B singer, featured on Wale's 2013 song "Bad", which peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Kevin James Thornton, comedian; best known for Comedy Special “Be Yourself”^[25]
• Nelly Vuksic, Argentine conductor and musician^[26]
• Bill Wallace, dominant kickboxer of the 1970s; starred in A Force of One and The Protector^[27]
• Cynda Williams, actress in Mo' Better Blues and One False Move^[28]
• Ryan Woodle, actor; best known for Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods^[29]

Business

• Angela Ahrendts, former senior vice president of retail, Apple;^[30] former CEO of Burberry^[31]
• Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide^[32]
• Craig Hartman, honorary doctorate, architect and partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill^[33]
• Peter Jubeck, founder of Sir Pizza of Michigan and Clara's restaurants
• Kent C. Nelson, retired president and CEO of UPS^[34]
• John Schnatter, founder and former chairman of Papa John's Pizza restaurants^[34]

Politics and government

• Amanda Carpenter, national reporter for TownHall.com and Senior Communications Advisor and Speechwriter for Senator Ted Cruz^[35]
• Jeffrey D. Feltman, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and former United States Ambassador to Lebanon^[36]
• Suzette Kimball, 16th Director of the United States Geological Survey, a bureau of the United States Department of the Interior^[37]
• Brent McMillan, national Political Director for the Green Party^[38]
• Rodney C. Moen, Wisconsin State Senator
• Richard Mourdock, Indiana Treasurer of State^[39]
• Frank J. Mrvan, U.S. Representative from Indiana (2021–)^[40]
• John Rarick (1924–2009), U.S. Representative from Louisiana (1967–1975)^[41]

Sports

National Football League

• Blaine Bishop, former NFL player, Tennessee Titans^[42]
• Robert Brewster, NFL player (offensive tackle), Dallas Cowboys^[43]
• Rush Brown, NFL player (defensive lineman), St. Louis Cardinals
• Corey Croom, NFL player (running back), New England Patriots
• Jerome Davis, former NFL player, Detroit Lions^[44]
• Reggie Hodges, NFL player (punter), Tennessee Titans^[45]
• Ed Konopasek, former NFL player (offensive tackle), Green Bay Packers^[46]
• Brad Maynard, NFL player (punter), Chicago Bears^[47]
• Keith McKenzie, former NFL player (defensive end), Green Bay Packers^[48]
• Bernie Parmalee, former NFL player, Miami Dolphins; current running backs coach for the NFL Las Vegas Raiders^[49]
• Danny Pinter, NFL player (center), Indianapolis Colts^[50]
• Dante Ridgeway, NFL player (wide receiver), New York Jets^[51]
• Terry Schmidt, former NFL player, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears^[52]
• Willie Snead, wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens^[53]
• Shafer Suggs, former NFL player, New York Jets^[54]

National Basketball Association

• Theron Smith, NBA basketball player (small forward), Charlotte Bobcats^[55]
• Bonzi Wells, NBA basketball player (shooting guard/small forward), New Orleans Hornets^[56]

Major League Baseball

• Larry Bigbie, MLB baseball player (outfielder), St. Louis Cardinals^[57]
• Bryan Bullington, MLB baseball player (pitcher), Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and Toronto Blue Jays^[58]
  • Alex Call, MLB baseball player (outfielder), Washington Nationals Jeremy Hazelbaker, MLB baseball player (outfielder), St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks^[59]
• Thomas Howard, 11-year MLB baseball player (outfielder), Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers (1990–2000)^[60]
• Zach Plesac, baseball player (pitcher), Cleveland Indians
• Merv Rettenmund, NFL draft pick (Dallas Cowboys), 13-year MLB baseball player (outfielder), Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, California Angels (1968–1980)^[61]
• Brad Snyder, baseball player (outfielder), Chicago Cubs^[62]

Other athletes

• Jarrod Jones (born 1990), American-Hungarian basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
• Marcus Norris (born 1974), basketball player, 2003-04 Israeli Basketball Premier League Defensive Player of the Year
• John Paul, racing driver
• Sunungura Rusununguko, Arena Football League player
• Apsara Sakbun, swimmer who represented Cambodia in the 2024 Summer Olympics^[63]
• Jamill Smith, Ottawa Redblacks player
• Terrence Watson (born 1987), American-Israeli basketball player for Hapoel Eilat of the Israeli Premier League

Other

• Arnie Ball, former men's volleyball coach at Purdue-Fort Wayne^[64]
• Bill Doba, football coach at Washington State University^[65]
• David Haugh, sports columnist for Chicago Tribune
• Brady Hoke, former head football coach, University of Michigan, San Diego State University and Ball State University^[66]
• Jon Hoke, assistant football coach with the Chicago Bears^[67]
• Ray McCallum, basketball coach at University of Detroit Mercy, Ball State, and University of Houston^[68]
• Mark Patrick, sports radio personality^[69]
• Kelly Sheffield, volleyball coach at Wisconsin, also coached at Albany 2001–2007 and Dayton 2008–2012^[70]
• Dave Shondell, women's volleyball coach at Purdue^[71]
• Don Shondell, ESPN and ABC collegiate volleyball commentator^[72]
• 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^[73]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Ventriloquist in Hollywood . 2024-01-19 . Ventriloquist in Hollywood - Ball State Daily . en-US.
2. Web site: History. Miss Southern Heartland. 2 August 2011.
3. Web site: Miss America .
4. News: Hernandez. Sharon. Miss New York to talk about GLBTQ support. 2 August 2011. Ball State Daily News. 22 March 2011.
5. News: Mantione. Meryl. Grammy Winner Angelin Chang named School of Music Outstanding Alumni for 2007. 2 August 2011. Ball State Alumni Newsletter.
6. News: Wojciechowski. Gene. Despite 'worst' sportscast, Collins says he'd try again. 2 August 2011. ESPN Commentary. 6 March 2007.
7. Web site: Primitive artist, longtime gallery owner Grandma Fran dies at 87. Carroll County News. 1 October 2018. 2012-12-07.
8. Web site: The Man Behind the Cat. Ball State University. 2 August 2011.
9. Web site: Andy Devine Biography. Rotten Tomatoes. 4 August 2011.
10. News: 'Three's Company' star Joyce Dewitt returns to campus. 4 August 2011. Ball State Newscenter. 14 November 2008.
11. News: Local Nazarene Group Plans Special Youth Week Services. Lima News. January 31, 1959. Ohio, Lima. 4. Newspaperarchive.com. March 6, 2016.
12. Web site: About Stedman Graham. Stedman Graham & Associates. 4 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110810184109/http://www.stedmangraham.com/about.html. 10 August 2011. dead.
13. Web site: Acting and Musical Theatre Guest Artists. Ball State University. 4 August 2011.
14. News: Hollywood actor Doug Jones to attend Muncie screening of 'My Name is Jerry'. 4 August 2011. Ball State Newscenter. 14 April 2009.
15. News: Ball State names new building after famous alumnus. 4 August 2011. Ball State Newscenter. 30 July 2007.
16. News: CHIRP: Know Your Opponent - Ball State vs. Indiana. 4 August 2011. Ball State Daily News. 23 March 2011.
17. Web site: At The Gallery: Cast Bronze Sculpture by Cheryl Anne Lorance. www.atthegallery.com. 2018-03-13.
18. News: Movies. https://web.archive.org/web/20131020221424/http://movies.nytimes.com/person/100204/David-Loughery/biography. dead. 2013-10-20. Movies & TV Dept.. The New York Times. 2013.
19. Web site: Peter. Blackstock. Larry Monroe remembered for his love and knowledge of music. The Austin American-Statesman. January 20, 2014. 2020-04-08.
20. News: Ball State grad Anthony Montgomery finds a new 'Enterprise'. 4 August 2011. Ball State Daily News. 3 October 2001.
21. Web site: Blust . Christina . 2012-05-15 . A Sister Edith Pfau Evangelist . 2024-01-19 . Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods . en-US.
22. Web site: Journalism Hall of Fame. Ball State University. 4 August 2011.
23. Web site: Israel Solomon . 2023-12-16 . IndyArtsGuide.org . en-US.
24. Web site: Kim Sun-a - Actor Filmography، photos، Video . 2024-01-19 . elCinema.com . en.
25. Web site: Steele . Ray . 2023-06-07 . Kevin James Thornton: Growing up, coming out, and coming home to Indiana . 2024-01-19 . WFYI Public Media . en-us.
26. Web site: César Vuksic – The Quintet of the Americas . 2024-01-19 . quintetoftheamericas.org.
27. Web site: Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. USA Dojo. 4 August 2011.
28. Web site: Williams . Cynda (Cindy) . Cynda Williams: The heavens had different plans . 2024-01-19 . The Star Press . en-US.
29. Web site: BSU .
30. Web site: Apple Leadership - Angela Ahrendts. Apple. en-US. 2017-11-02.
31. News: Burberry CEO and Ball State alum Angela Ahrendts to speak March 16. 4 March 2011. Ball State Daily News. 1 August 2011.
32. Web site: Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, named Ball State trustee. bsu.edu.
33. Web site: Craig W. Hartman. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP. 1 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110806163429/http://www.som.com/content.cfm/craig_w_hartman. 6 August 2011. dead.
34. Web site: Hall of Fame. Ball State University. Miller College of Business. 1 August 2011.
35. Web site: Amanda Carpenter. TownHall.com. 1 August 2011.
36. Web site: Jeffrey D. Feltman. https://web.archive.org/web/20090417034404/http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/120440.htm. dead. 17 April 2009. U.S. Department of State. 1 August 2011.
37. Web site: Suzette Kimball. United States Geological Survey. 23 June 2016.
38. Web site: Brent McMillan. Green Party of the United States. 1 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110619090838/http://www.gp.org//speakers/detail.php?ID=16. 19 June 2011. dead.
39. Web site: About the Treasurer. Indiana.gov. 1 August 2011.
40. News: Babcock . Abby . Leadership Life Series: Congressman Frank J. Mrvan . August 24, 2021 . NWI . July 13, 2021.
41. Web site: Rarick, John Richard. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. 1 August 2011.
42. Web site: Blaine Bishop. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
43. Web site: Robert Brewster. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
44. Web site: Jerome Davis . profootballarchives.com . May 18, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150520041551/http://www.profootballarchives.com/davi12200.html . May 20, 2015 .
45. Web site: Reggie Hodges. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
46. Web site: Ed Konopasek. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
47. Web site: Brad Maynard. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
48. Web site: Keith McKenzie. Pro-Football Reference.com. 25 April 2016.
49. Web site: Bernie Parmalee. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
50. Web site: Danny Pinter. Indianapolis Colts. 8 November 2021.
51. Web site: Dante Ridgeway. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
52. Web site: Terry Schmidt. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
53. Web site: Willie Snead. Pro-Football Reference.com. 2 November 2015.
54. Web site: Shafer Suggs. Pro-Football Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
55. Web site: Theron Smith. Basketball Reference.com. 7 October 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20121010134013/http://www.basketballreference.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=SMITHTH01. 10 October 2012. dead.
56. Web site: Bonzi Wells Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more. Basketball-Reference.com.
57. Web site: Larry Bigbie. Baseball Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
58. Web site: Bryan Bullington. Baseball Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
59. Web site: Jeremy Hazelbaker . Baseball Reference.com . 7 July 2016.
60. Web site: Thomas Howard (baseball player). Baseball Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
61. Web site: Merv Rettenmund. Baseball Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
62. Web site: Brad Snyder. Baseball Reference.com. 7 October 2013.
63. Web site: June 28, 2024 . Swimming Alumna Apsara Sakbun to Represent Cambodia in Paris Olympics . Ball State Sports.com.
64. Web site: Arnie Ball - Men's Volleyball .
65. Web site: Bill Doba. 18 April 2013 . Washington State University Athletics. 7 October 2013.
66. Web site: Brady Hoke. Ball State University. 7 October 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131111012730/http://ballstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14200&ATCLID=1148145. 11 November 2013. dead.
67. Web site: Jon Hoke. Ball State University. 7 October 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131111012730/http://ballstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14200&ATCLID=1148145. 11 November 2013. dead.
68. Web site: Ray McCallum. University of Houston. 7 October 2013.
69. Web site: Mark Patrick. Indianapolis Indiana. 7 October 2013.
70. Web site: Coach Bio. uwbadgers.com. 12 May 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140513115412/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/kelly_sheffield_833297.html. 13 May 2014.
71. Web site: Dave Shondell. CBS Interactive. 7 October 2013.
72. Web site: Don Shondell. Ball State University. 7 October 2013.
73. Web site: Jason Whitlock. Ball State University. 7 October 2013.