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Stephanie Wiechmann
Mearns began leading the Muncie school in 2017 as the 17th president. Since then, Mearns spearheaded a legislative approved partnership to run Muncie Community Schools. Saw Ball State through its centennial year. Crafted a new school-wide strategic plan. Oversaw the building of and renovation of a number of campus buildings. And recently said the school's capital campaign overtook its goal of $350 million.

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Stephanie Wiechmann
Like other college presidents, Mearns also led the school through an unprecedented global health pandemic in 2020 that shuttered campuses and moved classes online. In a statement by the university, Ball State Board of Trustees Vice Chair Julie Griffith called Mearns an exceptional leader. Mearns’ previous contract was renewed in 2020 and was to run through June of 2027. I'm Stephanie Wiechmann in Muncie.