Ball State University senior Emily Willis and five other women joined the ranks of esteemed females to have received the Indiana Women of Achievement award at a ceremony at the Alumni Center Wednesday night.
This award is given annually by the Task Force on the Status of Women from Ball State's College of Sciences and Humanities. Any woman can be nominated, and then a committee of faculty members from the College of Sciences and Humanities selects the recipients.
"We look for women who have made significant contributions to life in Indiana," Fred Meyer, chair of the Indiana Women of Achievement award committee, said. "We try to look for women with a well-rounded record."
Willis, a public relations major and president of the Panhellenic Council, was awarded for her academic leadership. During her time at Ball State, Willis has been involved with many student organizations and was a resident assistant her sophomore and junior years.
Willis said she is proud to be considered with the other women who have won the award.
"I'm excited to be the only student being recognized, but I'm very humbled because I know there are so many women who've had so much more time to do great things," she said.
Phyllis Bartleson, a 1987 Ball State graduate and executive director of the Muncie Human Rights Commission, was one of the recipients. She and the people at the commission investigate complaints of discrimination within the community.
Bartleson didn't know who nominated her but was honored about being nominated.
"I couldn't believe it," she said. "I was just so excited, and for once, I was at a loss for words."
Jill Chambers, a 1970 graduate of Ball State and program director for the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, was also a 2005 award winner.
Chambers has co-authored a book and has been involved with Indiana's NOW. She has lobbied for women's rights on several occasions, including for the Equal Rights Amendment in Indiana.
Jane Hardisty graduated from Ball State in 1974 and went on to work at the National Resources Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture. Out of 50 state conservationists, she is one of only 10 women.
Hardisty said she was excited to receive this award.
"I was just stunned when I heard," she said. "It just feels really good to know that your alma mater takes time to recognize you."
Kim Hood Jacobs was one of Ball State's first female board of trustees members and grew up in the area.
"It's an incredible gift to be able to come to be a trustee member and drive along the same roads you rode your bicycle on as a girl, and come back to a community with a lifetime of experience and growth," she said.
Angela Barron McBride was awarded for her excellence and leadership in health education. During her career, she has helped Indiana residents who have poor access to health care find providers.
Senior Alex Sienkiewicz was able to speak with McBride before the ceremony and said he enjoyed their conversation.
"I thought she was really interesting, and I liked what she had to say," Sienkiewicz said. "Her background and careers and what she's done so far is really impressive."
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