Seth Slabaugh

The Star Press

MUNCIE — Ball State University trustee Matt Momper tried to prevent the final public forum on the presidential search from becoming a rally against alleged Koch brothers' influence over BSU.

After several students and a researcher from the anti-Koch activist group UnKoch My Campus expressed concerns about the Kochs' influence and search committee members' supposed ties to the right-wing billionaire Koch brothers, Momper, chair of the search committee, reminded the audience that the purpose of the forum was to get public input on the desired qualities for a new president.

He also said there was absolutely no financial interest or relationship between the Kochs, "Papa John" Schnatter and any members of the board of trustees. More specifically, he added there also was absolutely no conflict of interest between any university donors and the trustees, who are governed by a "clear policy of what constitutes a conflict of interest."

"So am I to understand that the committee right now is pleading its Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination?" BSU chemistry major Logan Edwards asked Momper, who responded, "I don't know where you're going with this but … we need to move forward."

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Edwards earlier told the search committee he was looking for a next president of Ball State who does not have "problematic political ties" to the Kochs like trustee and search committee member Renae Conely, who was absent from Monday's forum. Trustees are appointed by Gov. Mike Pence, who has received more campaign contributions from David Koch than any other candidate nationwide, Edwards said.

Conley is a former executive at a utility company that created a partnership with Koch Industries and also has been a director at PNM, which holds a common interest in Arizona uranium mining efforts funded by the Kochs, according to UnKoch My Campus.

"I know we have challenges facing us with the Koch brothers and all that stuff, and people feeling alienated … but I don't want my four-hour drive to be a waste of time," James Wells, student government association president and a search committee member who came to the meeting from Gary, told student hecklers.

"Wow, a waste of time," one student shouted back at Wells.

Momper's admonishment didn't stop Cathy Day, an associate professor of English, from voicing concerns about Ball State's shift from focusing on immersive learning to emphasizing entrepreneurial learning campus wide.

Schnatter and the Charles Koch Foundation have donated more than $3 million to Ball State to create the new John H. Schnatter Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise.

Had Day known about the Kochs' relationship with Ball State and the university's intent to become known as an entrepreneurial school when she agreed to come to BSU in 2010, she would have changed her mind. She is the author of the book "Circus in Winter," which became a Ball State student-produced musical.

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Several others also voiced concerns about the Kochs during the forum at the Alumni Center.

"Caring for God's good creation is essential, and the Koch brothers don't believe that," Pastor John Young of Riverside United Methodist Church told the committee. "They have worked against it."

Robert Koester, director of the Center for Energy Research, Education and Service and professor of architecture, called for a president who embraces sustainability, noting the commitments of former presidents John Worthen, Jo Ann Gora and Paul Ferguson, as well as acting President Terry King, to fighting climate change.

Sustainability is the new watchword for entrepreneurial activity that embraces a green economy including alternative fuels, Koester said.

Contact Seth Slabaugh at (765) 213-5834.

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