A Ball State University alumnus will join eight men and women who control tuition, admission requirements and faculty salaries, replacing one man who is leaving.
Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed Rick Hall, Indianapolis, to the Board of Trustees on Wednesday
Hall was appointed to immediately replace board member Dick Moake, whose term expired Dec. 31.
"I feel very honored to be appointed," Hall said. "Ball State has been such a positive impact on my life over the years. At the same time I'm also excited to have been appointed by Gov. Daniels."
Daniels selected Hall because of his history at Ball State, spokesman Brad Rateike said.
Hall graduated from Ball State in 1989 with undergraduate degrees in accounting and political science, he said.
"He has strong ties to Ball State and more importantly he is committed to working with President [Jo Ann] Gora for Ball State's mission," Rateike said. "The commitment to helping Dr. Gora is essential regardless of your background. That's one of the qualities you need in a trustee."
While at Ball State, Hall was also a forward for the men's basketball team and received the NCAA's Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship, he said.
"As a former student athlete, I do bring that perspective to the board," Hall said. "Ball State has successful programs for student athletes and I'd like to continue that record."
It will take time to develop any specific plans, but Hall said he looks forward to improving the university.
"It's a fun time to be involved in some of the changes [Governor Daniels] proposed," Hall said. "I'm just hopeful I can continue the positive momentum Ball State has."
Hall is a member of the Ball State Alumni Association and tries to stay as active as possible with the university community, he said.
Hall works for the government services and finance department at Barnes & Thornburg law firm in Indianapolis. He also worked as a law clerk for a judge for the United States Court of Appeals.