List of Ball State University alumni

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.

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

1. "Ventriloquist in Hollywood". Ventriloquist in Hollywood - Ball State Daily. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
2. "History". Miss Southern Heartland. Retrieved August 2, 2011.^{[permanent dead link]}
3. "Miss America".
4. Hernandez, Sharon (March 22, 2011). "Miss New York to talk about GLBTQ support". Ball State Daily News. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
5. Mantione, Meryl. "Grammy Winner Angelin Chang named School of Music Outstanding Alumni for 2007". Ball State Alumni Newsletter. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
6. Wojciechowski, Gene (March 6, 2007). "Despite 'worst' sportscast, Collins says he'd try again". ESPN Commentary. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
7. "Primitive artist, longtime gallery owner Grandma Fran dies at 87". Carroll County News. December 7, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
8. "India Cruse-Griffin". Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
9. "The Man Behind the Cat". Ball State University. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
10. "Andy Devine Biography". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
11. "'Three's Company' star Joyce Dewitt returns to campus". Ball State Newscenter. November 14, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
12. Bailey, Leslie (May 24, 2015). "Writer/lit lover Ashley Ford shares journey to memoir". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
13. "Local Nazarene Group Plans Special Youth Week Services". Ohio, Lima. Lima News. January 31, 1959. p. 4. Retrieved March 6, 2016 – via Newspaperarchive.com.
14. "About Stedman Graham". Stedman Graham & Associates. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
15. "Acting and Musical Theatre Guest Artists". Ball State University. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
16. 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.
17. "Hollywood actor Doug Jones to attend Muncie screening of 'My Name is Jerry'". Ball State Newscenter. April 14, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
18. "Ball State names new building after famous alumnus". Ball State Newscenter. July 30, 2007. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
19. "CHIRP: Know Your Opponent - Ball State vs. Indiana". Ball State Daily News. March 23, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
20. "At The Gallery: Cast Bronze Sculpture by Cheryl Anne Lorance". www.atthegallery.com. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
21. "Movies". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2013. Archived from the original on October 20, 2013.
22. McGowan, Chloe (March 2, 2023). "Indy-based artist Ess McKee is making her mark on the city". The Indianapolis Recorder. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
23. Blackstock, Peter (January 20, 2014). "Larry Monroe remembered for his love and knowledge of music". The Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
24. "Ball State grad Anthony Montgomery finds a new 'Enterprise'". Ball State Daily News. October 3, 2001. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
25. Blust, Christina (May 15, 2012). "A Sister Edith Pfau Evangelist". Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
26. "Journalism Hall of Fame". Ball State University. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
27. "Israel Solomon". IndyArtsGuide.org. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
28. "Kim Sun-a - Actor Filmography، photos، Video". elCinema.com. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
29. Johnson, Seth (June 29, 2021). "Indy's Tiara Thomas Is Halfway To An EGOT". Indianapolis Monthly. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
30. Steele, Ray (June 7, 2023). "Kevin James Thornton: Growing up, coming out, and coming home to Indiana". WFYI Public Media. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
31. "César Vuksic – The Quintet of the Americas". quintetoftheamericas.org. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
32. "Bill "Superfoot" Wallace". USA Dojo. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
33. Williams, Cynda (Cindy). "Cynda Williams: The heavens had different plans". The Star Press. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
34. "BSU".
35. "Burberry CEO and Ball State alum Angela Ahrendts to speak March 16". Ball State Daily News. March 4, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
36. "Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, named Ball State trustee". bsu.edu.
37. Wood, Jim (March 18, 2011). "Architect Craig Hartman". Marin Magazine. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
38. Dozier, Vickki (June 21, 2016). "Clara's Lansing Station to close doors on Sunday after 38 years". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
39. "Hall of Fame". Ball State University. Miller College of Business. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
40. "Amanda Carpenter". TownHall.com. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
41. "Jeffrey D. Feltman". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
42. "Suzette Kimball". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
43. "Brent McMillan". Green Party of the United States. Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
44. "About the Treasurer". Indiana.gov. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
45. Babcock, Abby (July 13, 2021). "Leadership Life Series: Congressman Frank J. Mrvan". NWI. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
46. "Rarick, John Richard". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
47. "Blaine Bishop". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
48. "Robert Brewster". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
49. "Jerome Davis". profootballarchives.com. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
50. "Reggie Hodges". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
51. "Ed Konopasek". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
52. "Brad Maynard". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
53. "Keith McKenzie". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
54. "Bernie Parmalee". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
55. "Danny Pinter". Indianapolis Colts. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
56. "Dante Ridgeway". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
57. "Terry Schmidt". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
58. "Willie Snead". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
59. "Shafer Suggs". Pro-Football Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
60. "Theron Smith". Basketball Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
61. "Bonzi Wells Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more". Basketball-Reference.com.
62. "Larry Bigbie". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
63. "Bryan Bullington". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
64. Voga, Cody (March 13, 2025). "Ball State's Major League pipeline continues to shine". Ball State University. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
65. "Jeremy Hazelbaker". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
66. "Thomas Howard (baseball player)". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
67. "Merv Rettenmund". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
68. "Brad Snyder". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
69. "Swimming Alumna Apsara Sakbun to Represent Cambodia in Paris Olympics". Ball State Sports.com. June 28, 2024.
70. "Arnie Ball - Men's Volleyball".
71. "Bill Doba". Washington State University Athletics. April 18, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
72. "Brady Hoke". Ball State University. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
73. "Jon Hoke". Ball State University. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
74. "Ray McCallum". University of Houston. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
75. "Mark Patrick". Indianapolis Indiana. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
76. "Coach Bio". uwbadgers.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
77. "Dave Shondell". CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
78. "Don Shondell". Ball State University. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
79. "Jason Whitlock". Ball State University. Retrieved October 7, 2013.