By Dr. Jeff Bird—
MUNCIE, IN—The relationship between a University and its town can be critical for both parties. We have seen this with Muncie and Ball State University over the years. The “Town-Gown” relationship can affect students, faculty and staff and the residents of Muncie. I have witnessed much fluctuation in this relationship over the years. I believe that currently, this relationship is flourishing, due in no small part to the immersive work of the Ball State Office of Community Engagement.
I got the opportunity to sit with Heather Williams, the Associate Director and Program Manager of Building Better Neighborhoods at Ball State. Heather embodies the efforts being made to optimize the impact her office can make in Muncie.
Heather spent her early years in Santa Ana, California, just outside Los Angeles. Her family eventually chose to relocate to the Midwest and settled in Huntington, IN. She matriculated to Ball State University and studied history and spanish for her undergraduate degree. She then pursued a MBA in entrepreneurship at the Miller College of Business, then a second master’s degree in urban planning in the College of Architecture and Planning, with an emphasis in Community Development.
During her studies she had multiple opportunities for immersive learning projects in Muncie—several working with local government. When she finished her studies, she was hired to work in Muncie city government in both the building commissioner’s office and in the Community Development office. She loved the work and got great exposure to Muncie’s neighborhoods. When a new position became available at Ball State in the Community Engagement office in 2014, Heather enthusiastically applied for and was chosen for this role in Building Better Neighborhoods. This new adventure was supported in part by a grant from the Ball Brothers Foundation.
Heather has touched many organizations in her work for the last 12+ years. She is active in the community and has served multiple partners in her work including Muncie Action Plan, EcoRehab, and the Muncie Land Bank. She also continues to teach students in the BSU Honors College and CAP. She has received multiple recognitions and awards for her tireless work in Muncie’s neighborhoods. She has worked closely with the City of Muncie to utilize monetary resources to help transform Muncie’s neighborhoods through grants, ARP monies, and READI grants.
Heather said, “Strong communities aren’t built from the top down. They’re cultivated block by block in the neighborhoods—in spaces where residents meet, talk, and care for one another. When we bridge university resources with grassroots leadership, we unlock the true potential of Muncie’s neighborhoods.”
Heather Williams and the Ball State University Office of Community Engagement are driving positive change in Muncie’s neighborhoods.
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