Ball State has long been a place where families can grow together. For Mackenzie Wenger, Assistant Director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, family is everything. Both Mackenzie and her husband, Dan Wenger, who has worked as the Director of Football Strength and Conditioning, have worked at Ball State together since 2021.
“My wife and I were in Texas working at another institution. Our daughter was 2 years old at the time and we wanted to be able to be closer to family. On top of that, working in college athletics, we want to be in a place that has great people,” Dan said. “We felt like and believe that’s here at Ball State. The opportunity came up, and after a long discussion we decided to make the move to Ball State.”
As for Mackenzie, she transitioned from being an academic advisor for SJSC to her current position as Assistant Director in 2023.
“With my background in teaching, my work in sports, and the work that I'd done in student success, it really just felt like this perfect combination of several different areas that I'm passionate about,” she said.
For the couple, the time they spend together is precious because there is not much overlap between SJSC and the football team. Despite their busy jobs, the pair still manage to make time for each other.
“Being able to have Mackenzie so close to me has made work and life outside of work much easier and peaceful. The opportunity for us to get lunch or stop in each other’s office when time allows alleviates multiple stressors that come with working in collegiate athletics,” Dan said. “She has my back and supports my work, and I do my best to show her the same support.”
Mackenzie is currently earning her doctorate, and her father is an alumnus of Ball State.
“My dad graduated from Teachers College in the early 80s. When I started working on my doctorate here, also through Teachers College, he was so excited to have another future Ball State grad in the family,” she said.
Mackenzie says that her father played an influential part in deciding what career path she would take.
“I saw how many lives he was able to impact in his career… that's why I teach, that's why I got into coaching. You can help people reach their goals and create an opportunity for them that they may never have thought possible,” she said.
Their children, Sadie and Maverick, both love to hang out with their parents on campus as well. Sadie especially loves the dinner dates she has with her family at North Dining, or “the lunch table.”
“I feel very fortunate to be able to have our family, my kids, growing up… immersed in a college campus. They get to see students working hard to… achieve their dreams and goals, whether in the classroom, in my space, or out on the field in my husband's space. To have my children in the Ball State community because of the work that my husband and I do, there's no substitution for that,” Mackenzie said.
Dan feels much the same. With his busy schedule during football season, bringing the kids on campus is a big part of how he can connect with them. He says he enjoys incorporating his family into their working lives.
“I’m so appreciative of my wife for bringing the kids to practice and games. There’s nothing better,” he says.
Altogether, the Wengers have made Ball State and its community a part of their family.
“We love being here. We love the roots we have put down in Muncie,” Dan said. We hope we can be here at Ball State for a while.”
Cardinal Families content was produced by the public relations team at The McKinley Avenue Agency. See the digital publication of Cardinal Families: Every Nest has a Story here
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