In her five years at Ball State, Mei Zhong has become widely known for her extraordinary cumulative creative and artistic achievements. She has an extensive record of superb performances as a lyric soprano, an impressive list of research publications and presentations encompassing both Eastern and Western repertoires and an international reputation as an outstanding teacher.

Zhong represents everything to which a Ball State faculty member aspires. Her research and performances advance our understanding of Eastern and Western cultures, forcefully reminding us of the importance of cross-cultural exchanges. Her publications on Chinese folksongs and methods of performing Puccini, as well as her performances of newly composed pieces, have direct applications in her classroom. Her style of teaching, placing responsibility for learning on the students and encouraging them to participate in out-of-classroom events, is the very model of action-oriented learning.

In the last few years, she has made no fewer than 20 conference presentations in Europe and North America. Reflecting the breadth and significance of her work, these refereed conferences were sponsored by prominent organizations including the College Music Association, the Society of Composers and the International Congress of Voice Teachers. At her recent appearances at the American Orff-Schulwerk Association's National Conference, she received standing ovations.

As one of the supporting letters states: "Performing, teaching, researching, writing, presenting, Professor Zhong seems constantly moving ahead, bringing her students, colleagues, and audiences with her."