MUNCIE, Ind. - Tracy L. Cross has been named the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Gifted Studies at Ball State University.

Cross is executive director of the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities and professor of psychology-educational psychology.

The academy is the state’s only public residential high school for academically gifted juniors and seniors. It opened in 1990 as a unit within Teachers College.

Roy Weaver, dean of Teachers College, said awarding the distinguished professor was an indication of Cross’ dedication to the field of gifted education.

"Dr. Cross is nationally known in the field of gifted education as a scholar, outstanding teacher and dedicated professional," Weaver said. "He has demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of gifted children and youth through his work.

"His being named a George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Gifted Studies is a most deserving recognition of his long-time efforts," he said.

Cross received his graduate degrees (master's, specialist, and doctoral) in educational psychology from the University of Tennessee.

He came to Ball State in 1993 after serving on the faculty of the University of Wyoming. Cross began his tenure at Ball State as the coordinator of research for Teachers College, later becoming the chair of the Department of Educational Psychology in 1995 and the executive director of the Academy in 1997.

Cross has published more than 50 articles including several in such prestigious journals as The Peabody Journal of Education, The Gifted Child Quarterly and The Journal for the Education of the Gifted; numerous book chapters; and co-authored the textbook Being Gifted in School: An Introduction to Development, Guidance and Teaching.

He has also presented about 100 papers at international and national conferences. He is the editor of The Gifted Child Quarterly, former editor of The Journal of Secondary Gifted Education, Research Briefs, The Teacher Educator, and The Journal of Humanistic Education. He is a guest editor for The Roeper Review.

Cross is on the editorial board of every journal in the field of gifted education and for seven years has written a regular column in the journal Gifted Child Today on the social and emotional needs of gifted students. In 1994, he created the Center for Gifted Studies and Talent Development at Ball State and for two years served as its director.

Cross received the 1997 Early Scholar Award and the 1996 Early Leader Award from the National Association for Gifted Children and the 1998-1999 Outstanding Administrative Service Award from Ball State. He also received two outstanding teaching awards while at the University of Wyoming and one while on the faculty at Tusculum College. Two of his articles in Research Briefs were chosen for awards by the National Association for Gifted Children. He has conducted evaluations of more than 30 schools and programs for gifted students, and authored or co-authored about $2 million in grants.

A popular keynote speaker on the psychology of gifted students, Cross is beginning the presidency of the Association for the Gifted of the Council for Exceptional Children in July.