MUNCIE, Ind. - A Ball State University professor has received the state's highest honor for his advocacy of improvement in psychological counseling and for his dedication to education.

Robert Hayes, a counseling psychology professor, was presented the Sagamore of the Wabash Thursday during ceremonies in a second floor lounge in Teachers College. The award is presented to Hoosiers who provide distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

Indiana Rep. R. Tiny Adams (D-Muncie) presented the award, recalling Hayes' efforts in helping to create the East Central Indiana Critical Incident Stress Response Team. The volunteer group consists of mental health workers and emergency worker peers who counsel other emergency workers after traumatic incidents.

"During my 28 years as a firefighter, there was a void when it came to the counseling of public safety officers," Adams said. "There were a lot of tough times when a policeman or firefighter would have to find a corner to cry.

"There is a lot of love for the work that you have done over the years," he said. "And, I've never had the opportunity to give one of these to a true friend."

Hayes was nominated by Sharon Bowman, chair of Ball State's Department of Counseling Psychology, for his 37 years of work in higher education.

He has been a member of the Red Cross Aviation Incident Response Team since 1997 and has been active in American Red Cross Disaster Services since working in Los Angeles following an earthquake in 1994. His most recent assignment was in Washington D.C. following the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon.

Hayes has provided mental health assistance to workers and disaster victims at 21 disaster sites since 1994, rising through the American Red Cross ranks from technician to disaster/mental health officer. He also is an instructor of Red Cross advanced disaster courses.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Hayes at rhayes@bsu.edu(765) 285-8042.)