This story is part of an initiative led by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) to highlight entrepreneurship and innovation across Indiana’s universities. Learn more about the initiative here.

When the five Ball brothers moved their glass manufacturing business to Muncie, Ind., in the late 19th century, they weren’t just investing in a place—they were investing in people. In 1917, they purchased and donated the land and facilities of a defunct teacher training school to the state, laying the foundation for what would become Ball State University.

But their gift was more than real estate. It was a declaration that education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy could—and should—work in harmony to strengthen communities.

That belief has guided Ball State for more than a century. Today, the University continues to foster a culture of innovation rooted in those values, preparing students to become the next generation of business leaders and changemakers. And across the state and beyond, Ball State alumni are proving that spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving.

Dan Towriss

Among them is Dan Towriss, ’94, whose trajectory from Ball State actuarial science student to CEO of a global motorsports portfolio is anything but typical. Towriss leads TWG Global and TWG Motorsports, parent companies behind ventures in Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR, and beyond. He’s also the architect of Gainbridge, a digital finance platform that’s become a prominent sponsor of the Indianapolis 500 and women’s sports nationwide.

Towriss credits Ball State with helping him find his direction—after a baseball injury derailed his first path. He recalls a faculty member calling him by name during his first weeks on campus, a moment that reminded him he was seen and supported. “At a big university, nobody would know who you are,” he said. “But here, the faculty were connected. They were invested. That changed everything for me.”

That sense of investment extends to Towriss’ philanthropy. He’s given back generously to his hometown and alma mater, supporting Ball State’s Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility, baseball field renovations at Muncie’s McCulloch Park, and a new YMCA. Through Group 1001 and Gainbridge, he’s championed community access and opportunity, especially for underserved youth and underrepresented athletes.

Craig Dobbs

Craig Dobbs, ’86, embodies a similar blend of business acumen and community commitment. As managing director of Graystone Consulting and founder of The Dobbs Group, he has built a distinguished career in finance. But his entrepreneurial energy extends further—from co-owning Monkey In Paradise Vodka to helping launch the Children’s TherAplay Foundation, which uses horseback riding to support children with special needs.

Dobbs is also deeply engaged at Ball State, serving on its Board of Trustees and Foundation Board, and supporting the University’s Call to Beneficence comprehensive campaign. In 2022, he received Ball State’s President’s Medal of Distinction, one of the institution’s highest honors, recognizing both his professional excellence and philanthropic leadership.

Few alumni have shaped the physical campus as visibly as Charles W. Brown, ’71. A co-founder of Southern Bells Inc.—a Taco Bell franchisee that grew from two locations to more than 75—Brown has never forgotten the role Ball State played in his life. His generosity helped build the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, the largest in Indiana, and the Brown Family Amphitheater, a stunning outdoor performance space that opened in 2023.

Charles Brown

To Brown, giving back is about creating shared experiences that uplift students and the wider Muncie community. “There’s nothing more rewarding than to see people enjoying something that you had a part in,” he said. “I’m proud of the University. I’m proud to be an alum.”

This blend of innovation and generosity—modeled by Towriss, Dobbs, Brown, and countless others—will soon have a new home at the southeast corner of Ashland Avenue and Martin Steet in Muncie.

Set to open in Fall 2026, the Center for Innovation and Collaboration will be a 34,000-square-foot hub for entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community partnerships. Designed as a flexible, multipurpose space, the Center will bring together students, faculty, and local leaders to launch ideas, businesses, and careers. Programs will range from immersive learning studios and digital prototyping labs to upskilling workshops and mentoring opportunities.

“This is the intersection of education and community,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “The key element of this site is collaboration among programs on our campus and greater collaboration with businesses and organizations in the community. That’s the essence of its title.”

Importantly, the Center is not just about startups—it’s about access and opportunity. With more than 99 percent of Indiana businesses classified as small businesses, the Center aims to serve the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. One example is its early partnership with the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, which reflects Ball State’s commitment to supporting main street economies and fueling local growth throughout the region.

The Center is the latest chapter in a story that began more than 100 years ago with the Ball brothers’ decision to “buy a college”—and to gift it to the people of Indiana. Today, through the work of alumni like Towriss, Dobbs, and Brown, and through transformative new spaces like the Center for Innovation and Collaboration, Ball State is continuing that legacy—fueling innovation, fostering opportunity, and helping Indiana’s next generation of entrepreneurs find their path.

Photo provided by Ratio Architects

—

Across Indiana, our universities are fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators who are shaping our state’s future. In collaboration with our university partners, CICP is excited to share and amplify those stories; which highlight students, faculty, and alumni who are turning ideas into action. By celebrating these efforts, we aim to strengthen the connections between higher education, industry, and community, and to shine a light on the innovation happening throughout our state. Click here to learn more about this initiative.