Topic: Administrative
December 18, 2007
Ball State University
Provost Terry King has earned international honors from Japan's Osaka Prefecture University for his distinguished service, dedication and contributions to education, science and technology.
King, a distinguished chemical engineer, was awarded the second Honorary Professorship Award, following Sir John M. Thomas of Cambridge, considered a pioneer in the field of modern solid-state chemistry.
"It is a tremendous honor for me to receive this award from such a prominent university in Japan known for its science and engineering. It's especially gratifying knowing that this is only the second time it has been presented," King said.
King's contributions to industry, academic research and higher education administration all contributed to his selection for the award. At Ball State, he has played a pivotal role in guiding the university's efforts to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education through the university's development of young teachers.
Prior to coming to Ball State, King was the distinguished Leroy C. Paslay chair in engineering at Kansas State University while also serving as dean of the College of Engineering. His research focused on supported metal nanoparticles and the use of nuclear magnetic resonance to characterize the physics and chemistry of their surfaces, adsorbates and surface reactions.
Within his specialty, King has participated in many international collaborations with his work on ruthenium catalysts, published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and reports, and earned many prestigious awards. He holds several patents resulting from his work on catalysis involving the refinement of higher alcohols.
As part of the recent honors ceremony, King delivered a commemorative lecture to a packed auditorium at Osaka Prefecture University, one of the top universities in Japan, internationally known for its engineering, aeronautics, veterinary and nursing departments.