President Geoffrey S. Mearns became the 17th president of Ball State University in May 2017 and is honored to serve as president during Ball State's Centennial year. Under President Mearns' leadership, the University has developed a new strategic plan, Destination 2040: Our Flight Path. The plan provides a strategic framework for the University, with five long-term goals and a set of imperatives to be executed by 2024.

President Mearns is committed to advancing Ball State's relationship with the community. At his installation in September 2017, he launched the "Better Together" initiative. A highlight of this enhanced support for Muncie is the University's partnership with Muncie Community Schools.

President Mearns earned his undergraduate degree in English from Yale University and a JD from the University of Virginia. After a legal career that included serving as a federal prosecutor, President Mearns began his career in higher education. Prior to coming to Ball State, he served in academic and administrative roles at Cleveland State University and as president of Northern Kentucky University.