Ball State University and its College of Communication, Information and Media (CCIM) recently celebrated the achievements of alumni whose impactful careers in sports journalism continue to inspire students.
On Thursday, CCIM unveiled the new Betsy M. Ross Sports Link Studio, where students enrolled in the nationally renowned Ball State Sports Link program will continue to work on innovative, collaborative and professional productions.
“Through her professional and civic accomplishments, Betsy has exemplified what we want for all of our students: that the excellent education they receive at Ball State prepares them to have fulfilling careers and live meaningful lives,” Ball State President Jeffrey S. Mearns said at Thursday’s commencement ceremony. “Betsy, you are an example for our students, and today we celebrate your many accomplishments and express our gratitude for all the impact your contributions have had on the University.”
Ross graduated from Ball State University in 1972 and worked as a copy editor, an Emmy Award-winning broadcast reporter, an ESPN anchor and a professor before founding Game Day Communications, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based sports and entertainment company, in 2002.
“I continue to be impressed with the facilities and opportunities Ball State students now have at CCIM,” said Ross. “The incredible experience they receive here will prepare them for great careers in the ever-changing field of communications, and I’m honored to have a small part in the process as Ball State continues to provide students with the tools they need to succeed.”
A native of Connersville, Indiana, Ross was just 17 when she enrolled at Ball State University. She eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism after exploring career options through a variety of writing and public relations jobs for her sorority, former Alpha Sigma Tau, and campus organizations. South Bend Tribune From 1973-78, she attended the University of Notre Dame, where she earned her master’s degree in 1977 and landed a job at the South Bend NBC affiliate on campus a year later. She then moved to WLWT-TV in Cincinnati before being hired by ESPN as the weekend “SportsCenter” anchor, making her one of the first women to break into national sports news.
After five years in broadcasting for ESPN, Ross returned to Cincinnati and founded GameDay Communications with business partner Jackie Leo. He also works as a freelance sports reporter for FOX 19 in Cincinnati and provides play-by-play commentary for men’s and women’s basketball games for various media outlets.
Ms. Ross is also an unwavering supporter of her alma mater, engaging with students and providing generous philanthropic support to the university’s mission, and serving on the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors and the Council on Women’s Philanthropic Leadership.
“Betsy’s generous investment in our programs and studios will guide Sports Link for years to come,” said Chris Taylor, senior director of sports production and associate lecturer in Ball State University’s School of Media Studies. “We plan to produce new programs and podcasts from the Betsy M. Ross Sports Link Studio beginning this fall, as well as further collaborations with Ball State University Athletics.”
An immersive learning experience, Ball State Sports Link will connect audiences with the sports community and deliver exclusive content showcasing Ball State sports across a wide range of platforms. Sports Link will showcase the accomplishments of Cardinal student-athletes on the playing field, in the classroom and in the surrounding community.
Transatlantic Storytelling 2024
Ball State Sports Link, in partnership with Cardiff Met Sports Broadcasting, premiered the feature-length documentary on Thursday. Transatlantic Storytelling 2024.
The documentary is the result of a semester-long project centered around a 12-day trip that 16 Sports Link students took to Cardiff, Wales. During the trip, students from Ball State University and Cardiff Metropolitan University’s sports broadcasting programs worked together to profile eight diverse individuals, including current and former student-athletes and athletic directors at Cardiff Metropolitan University. In addition, the students produced live sports updates from various locations on Cardiff Metropolitan University’s campus.
As well as their production work, students also took part in cultural experiences in and around Cardiff, including tours of BBC Wales, Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium, home of Welsh rugby.
“Making this documentary has been an incredible journey,” says Cameron Clift, the film’s executive producer and director.
“I’m really looking forward to everyone seeing the finished product,” said Clift, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies from Ball State University in May. “The stories of our subjects are truly moving and I believe they will resonate deeply with audiences.”
Following its digital premiere, the documentary is currently being edited into a second cut and will be released to terrestrial television and film festivals in both the UK and US, as well as additional digital platforms.
A transatlantic tale We continue to engage with ongoing exchanges on pedagogy, global sports production trends, virtual guest lectures, and student engagement.
In 2019, Ball State University and Cardiff Metropolitan University agreed to a five-year agreement recognizing the mutual benefits of an educational partnership that will, in part, lead to collaboration, opportunities and faculty and student engagement.