Ball State's Department of Counseling Psychology has been named department of the year by the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS).

The Teachers College department was nominated by Ball State doctoral student Katie Duffy for exemplifying outstanding commitment toward its graduate students. The award recognizes superior assistance and attention to students' needs as well as positive faculty-student relations.

"It's clear that your students think very highly of your program, and APAGS applauds your efforts to support the professional development of future psychologists," the APAGS award letter stated.

The award includes a plaque, acknowledgment in the APA Monitor and gradPSYCH fall issues and $1,000 to be used to benefit students, said Sharon Bowman, department chair.

"I cannot begin to describe how touched I am to see that Katie volunteered to write this nomination or how excited I was when I received the award letter," she said. "I am so proud of our work in counseling psychology and even happier that others are able to see it, too."