Since 1970, Trimmer also has created and evaluated public programs in the arts and humanities. The concept for the center actually began to take shape last year through the leadership of Margaret Merrion, dean of Ball State's College of Fine Arts. According to Ball State Associate Provost Beverley Pitts, Merrion's idea was to develop an interdisciplinary focus on the humanities and arts. Ensuing conversations among Merrion, Ball, and Trimmer expanded the concept to encompass the entire university community. We have the potential to share this creative energy with the community in a far broader way.
State universities operate under such tight budgets.
There's not a lot of money to give something to faculty members with no strings attached. This is the kind of thing that can't be paid for by legislative money, tax money, or tuition money. The center is a framework for allowing our faculty to develop an idea. The guts of it will be filled in by the fellows, who, with their students, will bring their creative energies to the projects. Pitts Pitts, Ball, and Trimmer agree that the possibilities for the center are nearly limitless, but all projects must incorporate certain requirements.