Indiana Governor Mike Braun Appoints Dollyne Sherman to Ball State University Board of Trustees

Topics: Alumni, Board of Trustees, College of Sciences and Humanities, Miller College of Business, President, Administrative

January 13, 2026

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has appointed Dollyne Sherman as the newest member of the Ball State University Board of Trustees. Governor Braun also announced the reappointment of trustees Mike McDaniel and Julie K. Griffith to new terms on the Board, each effective through Dec. 31, 2029.

Ms. Sherman's appointment began on Jan. 1, 2026.

"Dollyne Sherman has a strong public-service background and a deep connection to Ball State University, and I'm confident she will serve the University well," said Governor Braun. "Thank you to Trustees McDaniel and Griffith for continuing their great service to the Board."

Ms. Sherman has spent more than four decades in state and local government and the private sector, with expertise in public policy, strategic communications, media and public relations, and crisis communications. She is the owner of DS Consulting, formed in 1994 to serve clients in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

Ms. Sherman served 17 years in state and local government in roles including state representative (House District 93), deputy commissioner of external affairs for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, director of media and communications for Indianapolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith, public affairs director for the Indiana Department of Transportation, press secretary to Governor Robert D. Orr, and an Indiana Senate staff member. She currently serves on the advisory committee of The Goldsmith Prize for Innovation in Local Government and the nominating committee of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Ms. Sherman earned her bachelor's degree in political science and business administration from Ball State in 1977.

"I'm grateful to Governor Braun for this appointment, and I'm honored to serve Ball State-my alma mater-and the state of Indiana," Trustee Sherman said. "Ball State helped shape my commitment to public service, and I'm excited to support the University's mission and its students, faculty, and staff. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and University leadership to help Ball State continue to elevate opportunities for Hoosiers and strengthen communities across Indiana."

Trustee McDaniel was initially appointed to the Ball State Board of Trustees in 2016 and serves as the board's secretary. A two-time Ball State graduate, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and geography in 1973 and a master's degree in public administration in 1979. Trustee McDaniel has worked as the executive director of governmental affairs at Krieg DeVault LLP in Indianapolis. He brings decades of public service and government relations experience, including serving as Indiana Republican Party chairman from 1995 to 2002 and as executive director of the Indiana State Election Board. His career also includes leadership roles at Ball State, where he served as director of governmental affairs and director of the Otis R. Bowen Institute for Practical Politics.

Trustee Griffith joined the Ball State University Board of Trustees in 2022. She serves as the assistant secretary of the board and chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. A 1979 Ball State graduate, Trustee Griffith has held senior leadership roles in public affairs, marketing, business development, and government and regulatory affairs, including positions with Purdue University, Duke Energy, and Spectra Energy and its predecessor companies. She also serves on the Ball State University Foundation board and the Dean's Advisory Council for the University's College of Sciences and Humanities.

The University's nine trustees are appointed by Indiana's governor and are responsible for fiduciary oversight of Ball State. The board's primary duties are to approve the University's strategic direction, confer degrees, and oversee fiscal matters such as the University budget and tuition and fee policies.