Since joining Ball State in 1996, Carol Flores has consistently demonstrated dedication to the university, the Department of Architecture, her profession and the many students she has taught and mentored. In fact, she has so seamlessly tied these enterprises together that it is difficult to tease them apart for this citation.

As a teacher, she consistently stands among the highest of faculty in student evaluations. Her students know that she is never on automatic, is passionate about her subject matter and relishes seeing the students make the material their own. Like all excellent teachers, Flores is constantly updating her courses, keeping them fresh for students and challenging herself to improve them. Although she is in great demand around the country and the world as a lecturer, her students always come first. She is generous, curious, reflective, respectful, demanding much of herself and her students.

She is also an internationally recognized scholar focusing on aesthetics, meaning and symbolism of architecture and their relationship to culture. Her scholarship has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Catherine Bauer Wurster Prize. Recently her book, "Owen Jones: Design, Ornament, Architecture and Theory in the Age of Transition," was published by Rizzoli International and named by The Architects' Journal as one of the "10 best books of the year." Not surprisingly, it has received glowing reviews in publications including Building Design, World of Interiors and The Victorian.

Further, Flores has made valued contributions to professional organizations by serving in leadership positions as well as organizing important conferences. Consistently she also meets community service obligations, as evidenced by her many presentations to civic organizations and her presidency of the Muncie Art Student League. Her service contributions to the university and department have also been significant.

To quote from a supporting letter: "Carol leads by example and challenges her colleagues in her own quiet, enthusiastic manner, yet she generously gives her time to assist others and willingly contributes to the larger group."