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front and center:
Ballard Returning to Classroom:
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Dr. John Ballard
photo: Ashley Washburn |
Few students have graduated without
spending time with John Ballard.
To many, especially undergraduates, the
associate dean is like another adviser, giving
career advice and helping students figure out
how to meet graduation requirements.
But after 13 years as an administrator,
Ballard decided it was time to teach again.
In August 2007, he will be a professor in the
Department of Industrial and Management
Systems Engineering. Ballard said he made
his decision after much deliberation.
In an Aug. 21 letter to faculty, staff and
students, he wrote:
"I want to thank the faculty and staff for
the continued support and encouragement
that I received during my tenure as associate
dean. Finally, to the students and alumni
of the college–YOU ARE THE BEST, and
you made my job the most enjoyable at the
university.
"I am truly excited about returning to my
role of professor of industrial and management
systems engineering. Creation and the
dissemination of knowledge is most rewarding.
One of my colleagues says being a college
professor is probably the best job in the
world. I agree."
The announcement surprised Laura
Podany, a junior biological systems engineering
major.
"My reaction was that this is a great asset
we're losing, but I'm glad he's staying with the
college," Podany said. |
