Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns is in Washington, D.C. to meet with Ball State alumni and members of Congress from Indiana. Monday, Mearns added one more stop to his itenerary — an unexpected stop:  A talk with former Indiana governor and current Vice President of the United States Mike Pence.

The Star Press reports Mearns was visiting with members of Pence’s staff , at least one of whom is a BSU grad.  The meeting occurred in in the Eisenhower Office Building. A Pence staffer is said to have notified the vice president of Mearns’ visit.  Pence then invited him across the street to the White House where the two chatted for about 15 to 20 minutes.  Later, Pence Tweeted, “Congrats on your new job & best of luck at BSU!”

This may be the first time a sitting Ball State president has met with a sitting United States vice president — sitting or standing.