Cardinal Deputy: Fishers High School grad becomes Ball State student trustee

0

By Renee Larr

Fishers High School graduate, Dustin Meeks, was recently appointed by Indiana governor Mike Pence as student trustee on Ball State University’s Board of Trustees. Meeks participated in student government, speech and debate during his time at Fishers High School and said he feels those roles helped land him where he’s at today.

“My two big involvements were in speech and debate as a member of the National Forensics League, and also with student government where I was president of the class of 2013. Both of those were formative experiences that led to this opportunity that I’m currently pursuing in college,” said Meeks.

Meeks said he feels his most marketable skill is his ability to communicate a complex idea in ways that people understand. He said he has one person at FHS to thank for that … Matt Rund.

“I am the public speaker that I am today because of Matt Rund who is the forensics coach at FHS. He runs an incredible program that is set apart from other high schools by just how much he cares about the students. He has a wonderful way of being critical and at the same time very supportive,” he said. “I would say it’s communication more than any skill that has put me in this position, and that was something Matt Rund developed in me.”

“I always say hard work beats talent everyday, but if you are talented and work really hard then you are unstoppable,” Matt Rund said. “Dustin is one of those kids / people. I was always amazed at the time he spent crafting his performances for speech team. He was always wanting something to work on to make himself better, and that is what I appreciated most about him. Plus he was just a fun kid to be around. Always had a smile, or something funny to say.”

Meeks tenure as president of the class of 2013 awakened a love of politics.

“Being class president was an excellent foray into politics. To be honest, it was an experience that made me want to pursue political science in college, which has set me up with a lot of phenomenal connections that put me in the right place to apply for this position.

Coincidentally, Ball States previous student trustee was also a Fishers High School graduate who encouraged Meeks to give the position a shot.

“We knew each other in high school through an environmental science class we had together,” Meeks said. “I reconnected with him in college as a member of the college republicans. It was his encouragement, initially, that motivated me to apply for this. There were a lot of connections I made because of the experience of being senior class president,” said Meeks.

He feels the programs at FHS better prepares students than other area schools.

“I would say additionally FHS puts their students at such an advantage compared to their counterparts,” he said.

Meeks has ambitious goals for his life after he graduates from BSU.

“After Ball State, the real dream is to get admitted to Vanderbilt University’s law school and earn my doctorate of jurisprudence. For a brief period of time, I would like to practice law. After that my real passion is public service, helping people and being a voice. Once I have a little bit of money and worldly experience, I would really like to run for public office. Probably starting at the municipal county or the state general assembly level. My lifelong dream is to be the governor of Indiana. My mom always told me if you’re going to shoot for the moon you might as well shoot for the edge of the solar system. I like to tell people if the party asks I wouldn’t rule out a run for the presidency,” said Meeks.

About Dustin Meeks

Family: Parents Angie and Jeff, sister Adrienne

Pets: Two dogs, Castle and Beckett, four fish.

Growing up in Fishers: “I really loved the parks, rec sports (even though I was awful), and my church family at Fishers United Methodist Church.”

Favorite Restaurant: “I really like Riviera Maya on 116th Street.”

Dream vacation: “A seven day Caribbean cruise, I love the ocean, the beach and exploring new places.”

Quote: “The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it.” – Woodrow Wilson

Hobbies: Watching Cincinnati Reds baseball.


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact