2003: Artist Extraordinaire, appointed by Governor Olene Walker 2007: Excellence in Community Teaching Award, given by the Daughters of the American Revolution 2010: Gardner Award, given by the Utah Academy of Science, Arts & Letters, for “Significant Contributions in the Humanities to the State of Utah” Honorary Life Membership to the Utah Congress of Parents and Teachers Faith Ballam is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has written and lectured on the relationship between music and the doctrines of the Church. The Church created the position of "musical missionary-at-large" specifically for him. In 1999, Ballam sang "Panis Angelicus" by Cesar Franck at the funeral of his friend and supporter, influential LDS author and historian Leonard J. Arrington. Ballam also sang for the 90th birthday celebration of LDS president Gordon B. Hinckley. Family Ballam's grandfather, Oral Ballam, was a veteran in World War II. When he returned to the United States, he was educated at Utah State University, and received an Ed. D. from UCLA. After graduation, he was granted a Ford Foundation Fellowship, which allowed him further study at Stanford and Columbia Universities. He was a public school administrator in Cache Valley before becoming a professor at USU in 1963. In 1969, he was appointed Dean of the College of Education, retiring in 1992. Ballam is also descended from J. W. Summerhays, the patriarch of a musical dynasty in the Utah region and a singer himself. Summerhays emigrated from Europe as an LDS convert in 1866. Michael's daughter, Vanessa, is a performer, stage director, and former Miss Utah. She is also a theatre professor at Idaho State University and education director for Utah Festival Opera. Michael's son, Benjamin, whose mobility is affected by spina bifida, has appeared in some Utah Festival productions. Michael Ballam has four other children with his wife, Laurie. He currently resides in Logan, Utah. References External links Michael Ballam's official webpage UFOC's Bio of Michael Ballam 1952 births Living people American leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Indiana University Bloomington alumni Singers from Utah People from Logan, Utah People from Cache County, Utah Place of birth missing (living people) Utah State University faculty American Mormon missionaries 21st-century Mormon missionaries American opera singers Latter Day Saints from Utah Music Academy of the West alumni Music Academy of the West faculty