Christine Ballengee Morris, professor in the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy and founding director of Ohio State’s Multicultural Center, is one of six women to be honored as 2016 Women of Achievement by the Columbus YWCA. The group was announced in November and will be honored at a luncheon at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in April.

This is the 31st year the YWCA has honored Columbus women who have made extraordinary contributions to their families, workplaces and communities.

“I was shocked – it was definitely a surprise,” Ballengee Morris said of the award. “I’m truly honored to be part of this amazing group of women. The work they’ve done, the lives they’ve touched, the purposeful paths they’ve taken is truly amazing.”

Ballengee Morris said her nomination recognizes her work with the Native American earthworks in Ohio and throughout the nation, along with her involvement with Ohio State’s American Indian Studies program and Multicultural Center.

The other women being honored are Kim Jacobs, chief of police, City of Columbus; Karen Morrison, president, OhioHealth Foundation; Amy Klaben, president and CEO, Homeport; Kathleen Murphy, president, Murphy Epson; and TyKiah Wright, founder and CEO, WrightChoice.