Sen. Sue Errington discussed the "brain drain" and what Indiana politicians plan to do about it Tuesday.
Zac Davis, Ball State University Student Government Association treasurer, said the event was part of the organization's Political Speaker Series. Politicians are asked to speak at Ball State, and they fund their trip themselves, Davis said.
'Brain drain' occurs as students are educated in Indiana, but leave the state when they graduate," Errington said.
"Indiana does a great job getting students to go to college," she said. "We're not so good, however, at keeping students here afterward."
Errington took an informal poll during the lecture of how many students plan to stay in Indiana after they graduate college.
Two students, out of about 23 in attendance, said they plan to stay.
Errington said the poll results show that the issue is relevant at Ball State.
Senior political science major Robert Hughes said he plans to move out of state after he graduates.
"I don't see as much inspired leadership as I would like to," he said. "I would also like to see more culture-related activities become available in Indiana."
Errington said Indiana officials will consider these issues and make plans to make staying in the state more attractive.
"Muncie is making strides to provide new job opportunities and cultural activities," she said. "We want Indiana to experience growth."
Economic development in the areas of life sciences, technology, logistics and transportation and advanced manufacturing is critical to keeping a strong population of trained individuals in the state, Errington said.
Errington encouraged audience members to get involved in politics.
"We especially need more young people, women and people of color," she said. "There is not enough representation of those groups in the general assembly right now."
Jenn Comer, SGA secretary of community relations, said she was pleased with how the event turned out.
"It went better than I thought it would because of the small turnout," she said. "There was a lot of interesting conversation, and people seemed engaged and interested in politics."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
