Give to the BFSA Dr. Charles R. Payne Scholarship! Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFS) seeks to support the retention of success of Black students via two goals: 1) Serve as a support forum for Black members of the University community and 2) Promote the growth and development of inclusive excellence, reflecting the University's goals in a manner consistent with its mission.
Dr. Charles Payne taught through story, and the most powerful parables are his own: how did a Black Mississippi boy, stricken with polio, cross several graduation stages to become the first tenured and full Black professor at Ball State University?
Payne spent 41 years at the University, retiring as assistant provost for diversity and professor of secondary education. He spent the remainder of his life—before his passing in June—supporting youth, serving his church, and advocating for equity and inclusion across Indiana.
The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) facilitates and influences educational, administrative, and personnel policies in ways that enhance the welfare of individuals who identify as Black or with the Black experience at Ball State University for the betterment of the University community as whole.
Goals
- Serve as a support forum for Black members of the University community;
- Provide and promote leadership opportunities for BSU Black faculty and staff members;
- Develop financial and other resources necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the Association;
- To promote the growth and development of inclusive excellence, reflecting the University’s goals in a manner consistent with its mission;
- Establish, maintain, and expand channels of communication with the University community; and
- Assemble consultants from business, industry, government, social agencies, and organizations to conduct workshops, seminars, and programs aimed at Ball State University.
