Brandon Smith leads by facilitating student/staff interactions and bringing awareness of the Digital Corps to Ball State University partners. With his expectation that the Digital Corps will deliver products at the highest level of professionalism, Brandon approves all projects before they are sent to our partners.

Brandon’s educational background includes a B.A. in Telecommunications Production from Ball State University and an M.A in Broadcasting, Telecommunications, and Mass Media from Temple University. He gained professional experience with the Walt Disney Company, then Ball State University Electronic Field Trips—a unique partnership between the University, museums, and parks around the country to create video content for grade school students. In 2009, he accepted a position with the ever-growing Digital Corps.

“When you work with the Digital Corps, you can expect a professional experience, where you are treated like a true collaborator.”

Charity Coffman oversees the day-to-day operation of the Digital Corps. She mentors the Project Management Team and Junior Project Managers and also works closely with all students to help them reach their personal and professional goals. Charity facilitates the collaboration between students and partners to produce high-quality solutions and products.

Charity has three degrees from Ball State University: a B.A. in Education, an M.A. in Education, and a Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision. Her 12 years of experience as an educator and 2 years of experience as an administrator have helped her cultivate a project-oriented learning environment. After transitioning from Project Manager to her current position as Assistant Director in 2017, Charity combines her experiences to engage students effectively and manage projects efficiently.

“Our partners get to work closely with students in a professional environment where creative solutions to problems can be found.”

Rob Fultz guides the Video Team by encouraging students to grow with each video-related project. With an extensive background in broadcast and documentary-style videos, he works one-on-one with students to give direction on their work. Rob teaches students new techniques and software and gives them room to be creative with their projects.

Rob holds a B.S. in Radio and Television Production from Ball State University. Between his position with Ball State University Media Services and freelance work, he has more than 25 years of experience in video and audio production. His freelance work with ESPN has earned him two National Emmy awards. Rob now shares his experiences with students to help them handle a variety of video situations.

“Partners are always going to receive solid work from our students and it will be done with a positive attitude.”

Bryon O’Conner is a resource for students to turn to when working on software development and web application projects. Bryon oversees the training and management of the Development Team. He leads by example and shares his diverse knowledge of development concepts to facilitate student growth. With his support and guidance, students develop a wide variety of applications for our partners.

Bryon’s earned a B.S. in Computer Science from Ball State University. Prior to joining the staff at the Digital Corps in 2014, he worked with Ball State University’s Department of Emerging Technologies. His professional focus is full-stack development. When not mentoring students, Bryon is helping the Digital Corps with server management and learning new technologies to teach students.

“You can expect a creative solution when working with our students.”

Riley Paulsen co-leads the Design Team by helping Digital Corps students build confidence through self-reliance and mastery of creative and technical concepts. He has been working at the Digital Corps since his undergraduate years, transitioning from a student worker to a staff member in 2011. As one of the first student workers of the Digital Corps, he helps maintain the original mission: to create innovative work around campus with technology.

Riley holds a B.A in Journalism Graphics and Graphics Art Management from Ball State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. He is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Animate. Riley also has over 10 years of freelance experience in full-stack website design and development.

“Our partners can expect a high-quality solution specific and fits what they are trying to accomplish."

Josh Shaffer serves as a co-leader of the Design Team and works as a designer for Ball State University’s Academic Project Support Office. He guides students by providing design critiques and professional advice. By bringing a non-traditional approach to design, Josh challenges students to produce high-quality and unique work.

After more than 10 years of freelance experience in illustration, graphic design, and front-end web development, Josh completed his B.F.A. in Visual Communications at Ball State University. After working with the Digital Corps as an undergraduate, Josh was hired as a staff member in 2016.

“Working with us will offer you technical solutions that are current and cutting-edge while also bringing the energy of passionate student employees.”

Kyle Parker works as a Software Engineer with the Digital Corps. He works closely with students to develop software solutions alongside visual artists and communicators. Kyle’s extensive experience with designing software at Ball State enables him to offer students knowledge about new and emerging frameworks.

Kyle earned his BS in Computer Science in 2000 and has since worked at Ball State University as a software engineer. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Emerging Media Design and Development at Ball State. Kyle was on the team that built one of the earliest versions of the Ball State University website before he transitioned into working on web applications for university faculty and students. Most recently, Kyle worked on emerging technologies, exploring how the university can use mobile and voice-activated technologies to interact with students and the Ball State community.

“Partners can expect a student driven workforce that uses the greatest technology and media to produce professional results.”