MUNCIE, Ind. -- Seven faculty and professional personnel were honored recently for their contributions to Ball State University at the fall semester faculty meeting.

They are Ramon A. Avila, outstanding faculty service; Pamela L. Harwood, outstanding junior faculty; Adele C. King, outstanding research; Judith B. Lowe, outstanding faculty academic adviser, Larry N. McWilliams, outstanding creative endeavor; James L. Pyle, outstanding administrative service; Carolyn N. Vann, outstanding faculty.

Avila, the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Marketing, has served within the College of Business on committees for commencement, television courses, international research and alumni relations. He established a marketing career night and helped charter Pi Sigma Epsilon, the student organization for sales management. In 1996, he opened the Professional Selling Institute.

"If you know Ramon, you know that each hour spent in service is done with enthusiasm and optimism," a community leader said.

Harwood, assistant professor of architecture, has taught interdisciplinary courses with faculty from the English department and Teachers College. She directed the Polyark XII field study tour through the Middle East and Europe, for the first time including an alumni group. She is not only registered but is becoming certified to practice as an architect in all 50 states.

A colleague said Harwood "represents Ball State in a most exemplary manner--quite often as her resume attests--constantly displaying enthusiasm and class."

King, professor of French, has published two books, 16 articles and 52 reviews on topics ranging from Camus to francophone African writers to Indian women writers. She is said to have published on more continents than any other faculty member.She is editor of the refereed journal "Women in French Studies" and co-editor of two book series, "Modern Dramatists" and "Women Writers."

"Dr. King is truly a scholar of the old school, one who is a member of a republic of letters, a scholar known throughout the world," her department chair said.

Lowe, assistant professor of family and consumer sciences, is director of the four-year dietetics program and an advisor for its students. She helps students assess what they need to be successful, plans schedules that balance coursework loads and monitors completion of prerequisites.

"Professor Lowe shows much interest in her students' success, encouraging us to achieve the highest level of our potential," one of her students said. "She also demonstrates great concern for both the academic and personal lives of students."

McWilliams, professor of music, has become known for his outstanding musicianship. Under his leadership, the Jazz Lab Ensemble was invited to the prestigious Montreux and North Sea jazz festivals and many students won individual awards at the 1998 Elmhurst jazz competition.

"I can personally vouch that professor McWilliams is successfully representing Ball State University throughout the region and country," an Illinois jazz musician said. "Larry is a valuable members of the Ball State faculty whose many musical activities add so very much to your artistic climate."

Pyle, executive director of Academic Research and Sponsored Programs, has led the university's efforts to strengthen faculty development and educational efforts through research and external funding. During his tenure, Ball State's annual external funding has increased from $1.5 million to $10 million.

"It is a pleasure to document the extraordinary gifts of service, organization, creativity and opportunity that Dr. Pyle has given to the Ball State community," a nominator said. "He gets things done and done well, which is the mark of the outstanding administrator."

Vann, professor of biology, has been the major professor for four doctoral students and 23 master's students and a committee member for 19 additional graduate students. She and her students can take credit for 54 research awards and 110 presentations at 38 professional meetings.

"In bringing research to bear in the classroom, in being creative, challenging and both humane and human in her teaching, professor Vann communicates a very important principle of science: that it is fascinating and exciting," a former student said.