MUNCIE, Ind.-- M. G. Muthukumarasamy, vice-chancellor of Annamalai University, Tamilnadu, India, visited Ball State Aug. 25-27 for a formal signing of a new student exchange program between the two universities.

Muthukumarasamy and Worthen recently signed an international memorandum of understanding and association. The two shared a formal signing of the student exchange program on Aug. 25 at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center terrace after a luncheon hosted by Worthen in honor of the vice-chancellor.

The exchange program is a result of the efforts of several individuals including Jay Bagga, professor of computer science and Faculty Fellow in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; Clinton Fuelling, chairperson, Department of Computer Science; and Jim Coffin, director of the Center for International Programs.

Ball State has a number of successful and ongoing international exchange programs with many institutions in Europe, Asia and South America. This new program will add to Ball State's international recognition, said Bagga.

During his visit, vice-chancellor Muthukumarasamy presented a public lecture on education in India on Aug.26 in Bracken Library.

Founded in 1929, Annamalai University is a major university in southern India with several programs leading to degrees (at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level) in science, engineering, medicine and the humanities.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please contact Jay Bagga at 765-285-8661 or via e-mail at jay@cs.bsu.edu.)