Three Ball State Leaders Honored by Governor with Sagamore of the Wabash Awards

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

January 10, 2025

Three prominent leaders from Ball State University-Rick Hall, chair of the Board of Trustees; Mike McDaniel, board secretary; and President Geoffrey S. Mearns-this week were awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana's highest civilian honors, by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb.

The Sagamore of the Wabash, created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates (1945-49), recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the state or significant contributions to its heritage. Recipients have included astronauts, educators, artists, and public servants who exemplify Hoosier values.

Rick Hall
Rick Hall, of Carmel, Ind., was appointed to the Ball State Board of Trustees by then-Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2007. He currently serves as chair of the board and chair of the Finance, Facilities, and Planning Committee. Over his tenure, Trustee Hall has held several leadership positions, including vice chair (2020-23), chair (2014-20), and secretary (2011-14). He is also a member of the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors.

A partner and chair of the Governmental Services and Finance Department at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, one of the largest law firms in the country, Trustee Hall has built a distinguished career advising municipalities, businesses, and nonprofits on economic development, infrastructure financing, and public policy initiatives. Notably, he served as counsel for Indiana's largest economic development deal, securing more than $100 million in incentives for Infosys. His efforts have also supported the development of renewable energy projects, including numerous wind farms across the state.

A proud Ball State graduate, Trustee Hall earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and political science, graduating summa cum laude in 1989. During his time at Ball State, he lettered in basketball for four years, served as team captain of the nationally-ranked Cardinals his senior year, and was a two-time Academic All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honoree. Trustee Hall was also the only male student-athlete in the nation to receive the prestigious NCAA Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship in 1989, which recognizes academic excellence, athletic achievement, and commitment to public service.

Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel, of Indianapolis, was appointed to the Ball State Board of Trustees in 2016 by then-Gov. Mike Pence and serves as the board's secretary. A two-time Ball State graduate, Trustee McDaniel earned a bachelor's degree in political science and geography in 1973 and a master's degree in public administration in 1979.

Trustee McDaniel's deep connection to Ball State includes serving as the director of governmental affairs for the University and director of what is now the Bowen Center for Public Affairs. During his tenure, he worked to expand the University's impact on public service and civic engagement. He has also been an active supporter of Ball State Athletics through his involvement with the Cardinal Varsity Club.

In addition to his work at Ball State, Trustee McDaniel is the executive director of governmental affairs at Krieg DeVault LLP in Indianapolis, where he advises clients on governmental issues. His extensive career includes serving as Indiana Republican State Chairman from 1995-2002, being elected for a record three terms, and holding leadership roles such as chairman of the National Republican State Chairmen's Advisory Committee.

This recognition marks Trustee McDaniel's fifth Sagamore of the Wabash honor, having previously received the award from Governors Otis R. Bowen (1978), Robert D. Orr (1981), Evan Bayh (1997), and Mike Pence (2016).

Geoffrey S. Mearns
Since becoming Ball State's 17th president in 2017, President Mearns has overseen transformative initiatives. Under his leadership, the University launched its strategic plan, Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, emphasizing undergraduate excellence, community engagement, and institutional inclusiveness.

President Mearns has also spearheaded the University's historic partnership with Muncie Community Schools (MCS), which has strengthened the district's academic and financial standing. Additionally, he has led the revitalization of The Village commercial district near campus, supported by a $35 million Lilly Endowment grant, which will bring a performing arts center, hotel, restaurants, and other developments to the area.

In addition to his role at Ball State, President Mearns serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and the IU Health East Central Region board. He also co-chairs the Central City Leadership Team for Next Muncie.

A former federal prosecutor and law school dean, President Mearns earned his undergraduate degree at Yale University, where he was captain of the cross country team, and his law degree at the University of Virginia.