Ball State University Student Emilie Allen Named 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellow

Topics: Academic Programs, Awards, Students, Teachers College, Honors College, President

September 22, 2025

Ball State University Honors College student Emilie Allen, a Whitinger Scholar, has been named a 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Fellows are nominated by their campus president or chancellor and join a national cohort of student leaders from across the United States and Mexico.

"Through her research, her campus leadership, and her community service, Emilie has demonstrated the capacity to strengthen democratic participation and address complex social challenges," said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. "I am confident that she will contribute to the national network of Newman Civic Fellows."

Ms. Allen's civic engagement extends across campus and community settings. She works with the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL), where she contributes to policy briefs and public events that connect educators, policymakers, and citizens in deliberation on pressing issues. Her internships with Christel House International and the Eiteljorg Museum have strengthened her skills in data visualization, accessible communication, and culturally informed programming to promote equity and community engagement.

At Ball State, Ms. Allen has also served as event coordinator for the Honors Association for Community Engagement and secretary for academic affairs in the Student Government Association. In these roles, she has mobilized her peers and built partnerships that foster meaningful change. A recipient of the Whitinger Scholarship-the University's most prestigious merit award-and named among the Top 100 Students at Ball State, Ms. Allen exemplifies the University's mission to prepare students for meaningful lives of leadership and service.

The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact's founders, provides students with learning and networking opportunities designed to support their growth as civic leaders. Fellows participate in skill-building experiences, engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, and gain access to exclusive opportunities such as mini-grants and post-graduate fellowships.

"It is an honor to welcome this group of accomplished and dedicated students to the Newman Civic Fellowship," said Bobbie Laur, president of Campus Compact. "These students exemplify the power and possibility of civic and community engagement on campus. As they emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, we are proud that this fellowship will be part of their story."

Ms. Allen is one of more than 200 students nationwide in the 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellows cohort, representing institutions in 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.