James Acton recently was named the next president of the Ball State University Alumni Association.

Acton, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, brings more than 25 years of experience in alumni relations. He takes over Dec. 3 and will also serve as the Ball State University Foundation’s vice president of alumni engagement.

Acton most recently served as associate vice president of alumni and giving programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

“Jamie is well prepared for this key leadership role,” said Jake Logan, Ball State University Foundation president and vice president for University Advancement. “He has broad experience in many aspects of alumni relations, which will allow him to hit the ground running. He is the right leader to continue to build upon the Ball State Alumni Association’s incredible momentum.”

The Ball State’s alumni association cultivates relationships with more than 197,000 alumni worldwide.