The Louis E. Ingelhart Scholars program consists of an elite group of sophomore students who demonstrate an intrinsic interest in the media industry and exude enthusiasm and a willingness to make a difference in it. We anticipate your journalistic passion and leadership potential combined with a stellar work ethic will lead to personal enrichment and professional opportunity that will enhance your collegiate experience at Ball State. This unique program does not dwell on definitions associated with leadership.

 

          We presume that most and likely all who enter the program already have leadership experience in some capacity, so we are not as interested in an exploration into what leadership is. Instead, we attempt to examine why we think and act the way we do as leaders via philosophical and pragmatic conversations about the origin of leadership traits. In other words, we discuss leadership and topics connected to it such as trust and power but through a reflective lens of what/who informs our beliefs about leadership. This self-exploration into personal values and (sub)conscious beliefs sets the stage for the second semester, where we connect our evolving, working meaning of leadership to the media industry and the practitioners who work within it.

 

         This is where we network and put newfound understandings into action. It differs from, for example, leadership experiences within student media in that in this scenario, the student actually does it. They act as a leader because their position requires it. This program, on the other hand, asks the students to delve into a deeper, metacognitive conversation to understand why they do what they do as a leader: Why does that strategy (not) work? Why do they act or lead in the manner they do? From where does that originate? And how can it be improved so that they become a more efficient leader in this field? The overarching goal of the program is that, through personal reflection and subsequent discussion, you possess self-awareness and occupational strategies to help you surmount challenges you may encounter as an aspiring media practitioner.

 

        Ingelhart Scholars complete the two-semester program in their sophomore year. They enroll for one credit in the fall and one credit in the spring. Successful completion of the entire curriculum—both semesters—gives students two credits toward the Leadership Studies Minor. They meet once every week for one hour, and the curriculum consists of leadership exercises but no exams. The students’ commitment to journalism is also awarded through various experiences afforded exclusively to Ingelhart Scholars, such as:

 

• Specialized small classes with individualized attention

  • Each incoming Ingelhart Scholar is held to a higher standard in the classroom. Fortunately, students will not be alone in their efforts as each proceeds through the curriculum together. This program allows for more personalized learning methods to shape each Ingelhart Scholar in his or her own unique way.

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• Exclusive access to visiting professionals

  • The Ingelhart Scholars experience also extends beyond campus, including trips to various broadcast and print newsrooms to witness professionals in their working environment. For example, Ingelhart Scholars have been privileged enough to witness a daily budget meeting at The Indianapolis Star and see editors determine the next day’s content. It was a unique perspective rarely offered to outsiders and far beyond the “front-door” tour typically offered at most publications. These connections are essential in the journalism industry, which is why Ingelhart Scholars also travel exclusively to conferences throughout the area. While promoting the program, students also get the chance to promote themselves to hundreds of potential employers. Such a leg up on the competition only further separates Ingelhart Scholars from other aspiring journalists.

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• On-site visits to professional news organizations and conferences

  • Many Journalism faculty welcome the opportunity to assist the Ingelhart Scholars program in its various endeavors, whether that would include a department-wide banquet, small workshop or daily podcast.