One Ball State Day 2026

Invest in the Future of Economics Students at Ball State

The Department of Economics is committed to fostering student learning and engagement—both inside and outside the classroom. Your generous support directly impacts our students by sustaining and expanding opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers and lifelong success.

Empowering Students Through Hands-On Learning

Miller College Students at the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago
Our economics students gain real-world experience by competing in the National Fed College Challenge, where faculty mentors train them to think and analyze like policymakers. Each fall, students travel to Chicago to present monetary policy recommendations, honing their analytical and communication skills in a high-stakes environment.

Econ in Motion: Bringing Economics to Life
Led by Dr. Cecil Bohanon, Econ in Motion allows students to write, direct, and produce films that illustrate economic concepts. These student-created films—some of which have been featured at film festivals—range from short educational clips to in-depth documentaries on topics like the Scottish Enlightenment and the Dutch Tulip Bulb Mania. Check out their work on YouTube!

Expanding Research and Professional Opportunities

Students collaborate with professors on research projects and present at major conferences in cities like Chicago and Las Vegas. The expansion of the Buchanan Scholar Program now provides paid research opportunities, allowing more students to dive deeper into political economy topics and gain valuable hands-on experience.

The Economics Club connects classroom learning to the real world through guest speakers, networking events, and the highlight of the year—an annual trip to the Indiana Statehouse. This experience allows students to engage directly with policymakers and see how economic principles influence law and public policy.

The Institute for the Study of Political Economy (ISPE), under the leadership of Dr. David Mitchell, brings in distinguished scholars, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who challenge students to explore the complexities of markets, public policy, and business ethics. Students also engage in exclusive lunch discussions with these experts, gaining valuable insights and professional connections. Most recently, ISPE hosted the Madame CJ Walker Colloqium, a talk exploring the choices next-generation women face in family businesses.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

These transformative experiences are made possible by your support. Your gift ensures that our students continue to have access to research opportunities, professional development, and hands-on learning experiences that set them apart in today’s competitive job market.

One Ball State Day is your opportunity to make an immediate impact. A donation—of any amount—helps provide students with the tools, mentorship, and real-world experiences they need to thrive.

Make your gift today and invest in the next generation of economists. Thank you for your generosity!