Ball State University administrators and public relations officials often use the awards the university wins as a selling point for the school. The intense focus on awards and recognition has led at least one high-ranking official to leave for greener pastures.
Part of the reason Randy Hyman, associate dean of Student Affairs, is leaving Ball State is his concern that people might think the university's goal is to be recognized through national awards instead of improving departmental programs. Although there's no hard evidence for his claim, his concerns do bring forward a critical point.
Awards aren't everything, and Ball State should find different ways to bring prestige to the university by focusing on students and departmental programs instead of devoting valuable resources to seeking out awards. Award winners come and go, but an established base of strong programs will ensure Ball State continues to be recognized in the future.
Ball State administrators made establishing an "aggressive honors and award nomination process for the university and in each department and college by 2008" a specific goal in the strategic plan for 2007-2012. Although actively searching out and winning awards is great for marketing, there comes a point when different forms of recognition are necessary. University officials can publicize the numerous awards and honors it receives, but awards only skim the surface of genuine, quality work.
Ball State should focus on the students, staff and faculty - not just their achievements. The university's campaign to increase attention for itself is redirecting valuable resources from the real reason the university exists: to educate students.
Providing more resources to students and departmental programs will benefit the university more in the long run. Awards look great on fireplace mantels, but true accomplishment and pride can only be shown by supporting the people in the house.
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