Meet Sycamore Kaleigh Weidman, an Indiana State University sophomore who is triple-majoring in history, political science, and legal studies! Weidman has founded the nonprofit organization Our Time for Change to support civic education, and she is active in the Honors College, Student Government Association, Gamma Phi Beta, and other campus groups. With her academic journey guiding her toward law school, this civic-minded Sycamore is already making a difference on campus, in the local community, and beyond.

Even before he became Chief of Police for West Lafayette, Master of Public Administration student Adam Ferguson, ’25, knew he wanted to play an important role in shaping his department and supporting fellow members of the force. So he enrolled with Indiana State University’s MPA program to strengthen his understanding of administrative processes, community relations, and public service management. Now, with his recent appointment as chief, Ferguson is well-positioned to apply what he’s learned in support of his department and the community it serves.

International MBA student Maximillian Davis used to coordinate tours in his home nation of Ghana for students and faculty from American universities – including Indiana State. He was so impressed with all he learned about the campus in Terre Haute, Indiana that he became a Sycamore himself! Now, Davis says he is right where he belongs and wouldn't change a thing about his graduate-school experience at Indiana State.

Indiana State University professor Malynnda Stewart, PhD, is an outstanding communication teacher who creates inclusive classroom communities, a caring healthcare advocate who champions patient empowerment, and a podcaster and influencer who leverages her expertise to help others. Dr. Stewart believes in the power of communication to change the world, and every day she goes all in to create a positive impact.

Elijah Shouse, a first-year finance major at Indiana State University, has already made a name for himself on campus. He is very active in student and campus organizations, including the Scott College of Business Networks Professional Development Program, the Indiana State University Honors College, and various community engagement projects. When Shouse isn't studying business, he's producing music -- following a passion instilled by his father. He also sells clothing that carries his own commercial brand – Product of Passion. These efforts, combined with his rigorous college coursework, are teaching Shouse about business and entrepreneurship -- and his journey is only beginning.

Indiana State University alumna Bethany Baker, ’10 credits her rich Sycamore experience with preparing her for success not only in her photojournalism career but also at Harvard University, where she graduated in 2023 with a Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies with a journalism focus. Baker, who now works as a photojournalist for the Salt Lake Tribune, says her learning opportunities inside and outside Indiana State’s classrooms – including the Honors College, multiple study-abroad trips, and working for the Indiana Statesman – put her on the path to future accomplishments.

Several current and former Indiana State University athletes enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when they participated in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Current Sycamore Chloe Farro represented her home country, Aruba, in swimming; 2019 alumna Erin Reese competed in hammer throw; 2014 alumna Mary Theisen-Lappen earned a top-five finish in weightlifting; and 2023 alumnus Noah Malone won a gold medal at the Paralympics. The athletes broke personal records while making their Sycamore community proud.

Indiana State University biochemistry professor Justin Miller, PhD, is on a mission to uncover the secrets of bacteria. His scientific research has earned a prestigious $248,930 grant from the National Science Foundation. The two-year grant opens doors for underrepresented students at Indiana State University to experience mentorship and hands-on laboratory activities, guided by Miller and visiting alumni.

Educational Administration PhD student Nicole Otte took advantage of Indiana State University's Preferred Partners Program to return to school and pursue her educational goals. Otte, who is Director of Workforce Development at Endress+Hauser Group, wants to provide better educational opportunities, including industry partnerships, for high school students.

Speech-Language Pathology MS student Ashley Matthews wants to make a difference in her clients' lives. Hands-on clinical and research experiences have allowed her to work with Parkinson's patients, stroke patients, patients with traumatic brain injuries, individuals who have difficulty swallowing, veterans, children with autism, and transgender individuals, among others. “Indiana State has everything I wanted in my graduate program: the academics, the research, and the clinical experience," she says.

Indiana State University Sycamore Kalani (KJ) Brown knows sports. The sport management major is passionate about college athletics, and his academic program at Indiana State University has allowed him to participate in exciting internships with Sycamore Athletics and with the Big Ten football championship at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brown refers to Indiana State as a “family campus” where he receives encouragement and mentorship from his professors. “It’s always a good day to be a Sycamore,” he says.

Indiana State University nursing student Hannah Buescher has received plenty of hands-on clinical training in her nursing degree program. With learning experiences at hospitals, nursing homes, and even a regional airport, Buescher has explored such career paths as nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, travel nursing, and related professions. She credits her professors in the School of Nursing for providing resources and mentorship to help her map out her future career.

Sycamore sport management alumnus Zachary Hurst, '13, has come home. He now works as Assistant Commissioner for External Relations at the Missouri Valley Conference, having previously worked with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and several college sports programs around the country. Hurst credits Indiana State and its sport management program with providing intensive academics and invaluable experiences – including working an internship with Special Olympics Indiana and helping the student-led Larry Legend Foundation make the Larry Bird statue a reality - that led him to a successful career in the field. And he’s excited to work on behalf of sports programs and student-athletes at Indiana State and 11 other MVC schools across the Valley.