Faculty, Staff, and Students at Carroll Community College Celebrate President James Ball at Retirement Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2024
Westminster, MD—Carroll Community College faculty, staff, and students held a retirement celebration on May 7th in recognition of President Dr. James Ball for his outstanding contributions to the College.
The day was filled with games, food, and fun as Dr. Ball interacted with students, faculty, and staff. The celebration included games with the students, ice cream, popcorn, a cookie contest, music, and a host of other activities. Each person wore a Dr. Ball Lighting tour t-shirt at the celebration.
One of the events during the celebration was a cookie contest to highlight the “Best Carroll County Cookie” in honor of Dr. Ball. The contest was a unique opportunity for local bakeries to showcase their talent and creativity to a large audience. Five local businesses presented a cookie to be judged for Dr. Ball’s favorite and the crowd-pleaser during the event.
Soul Man Sweets won Dr. Ball’s favorite and named the winning cookie Life is a Song “The Next Verse.” JeannieBird Baking Company made the crowd’s favorite, the “Raspberry Bliss,” in his honor.
The festivities continued and moved to the Scott Theater at the College, where Dr. Ball’s band, the Escape Goats, surprised him with a performance in front of a huge crowd. Dr. Ball got on stage and performed various songs with the band. There were other musical performances by faculty and students.
Dr. Ball has been a pillar of the College’s growth and success, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Throughout his tenure, he has dedicated his efforts to advancing the institution’s academic excellence and community engagement mission.
He will retire as the third president of Carroll Community College on July 5th, 2024, and said, “Serving as Carroll’s president has been an honor and a privilege and is the epitome of my academic career.”
Under his guidance, the College has achieved numerous milestones, including being named the number one community college in Maryland on many educational lists. His visionary leadership has empowered faculty, staff, and students, leaving an indelible mark on the institution’s legacy.
“We are immensely grateful for President Ball’s unwavering dedication to Carroll Community College and the countless lives he has touched throughout his tenure,” said Mary Kay Nevius-Maurer, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “This celebration is a testament to his remarkable leadership and the profound legacy he will leave behind.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Photo 1: Dr. James Ball, President of Carroll Community College, high-fives a faculty member as he is welcomed to the “Dr. Ball Lighting Tour” in his honor.
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Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.