The University Photographers' Association of America (UPAA) has named John Huffer, director of Ball State University’s Photographic Services, its University Photographer of the Year.

The award was determined by the top scores in the print competition during UPAA’s annual symposium June 27 at Eastern Kentucky University.

UPAA President Jim Dusen said Huffer excelled with multiple awards in the sports category along with the overall best of show among the 300 entries. Huffer has received a first place award in eight of the last nine competitions.

“John has been a consistent winner in past print competitions and is especially strong in the field of sports photography,” Dusen said. “In addition, Ball State has been honored on several occasions for the effective use of John's photography in the publications competition.”

Other Ball State photographers receiving awards were Michael Hickey, who won second place in sports and third place in news feature, and Don Rogers, taking third in the personal vision category.

Ball State also received a first place award in general publications for a “mega-pub” combining the Above and Beyond campaign wrap-up, the Presidents' Annual Report and the Ball State University Foundation Annual Report. Julie Parmerlee of University Communications designed the publications.

With members at 250 campuses across North America, UPAA is the only organization promoting the profession of photography in the service of higher education. A weeklong symposium is held each June with a variety of professional development programs and activities.