Ball State University does a lot for its students. It brings innationally renowned presenters during UniverCity. It procured a$1.5 million grant to help students find internships through its"Business Fellows" program.
These ventures contribute to the worth of a Ball State degree,and NewsLink Indiana is another project that has that potential. Itwas designed to give students the opportunity to become fullyimmersed in the creation of a half-hour daily newscast. But theproject has been scaled down because the $20 millioniCommunications Grant that created it is running dry. With anygrant, Beverley Pitts, provost and vice president for academicaffairs, said, "It does not provide funding for the continuation ofthe program."
So perhaps this is an issue that Pitts can get behind, as shehas an excellent track record in securing grant money. As she stepsin to fulfill President Brownell's duties, she could considerprocuring more funds so NewsLink Indiana can grow into the projectit was designed to be.
The project, which is affiliated with the Daily News,will benefit students in the College of Communiation, Informationand Media. The prominence of Newslink Indiana will add more valueto the degree CCIM students are seeking. Nancy Carlson said, "Wethink we are a national model of a convergence newsroom providing amulti-media outlet for undergraduates." Carlson is the chairpersonof the department of telecommunications.
The grant money for NewsLink Indiana is dwindling. But theproject will add prestige to the CCIM, and in turn, benefitstudents as they search for a job. As new programs are added to thecurriculum that impress employers, a Ball State degree becomes morevaluable.
Because the ultimate goal of students is to find a job, addingto the CCIM's appeal is invaluable. Besides, the project hasalready begun. Pitts could use her influence to find more grantmoney for NewsLink Indiana and enhance an entire department'sreputation.
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