Carroll Community College President Announces Retirement

Westminster, MD─ The number of community college presidents who can look back on their careers and say they dramatically improved their institutions during challenging times that included a decline in college attendance nationally, the COVID-19 pandemic, and competitive fiscal conditions is likely very limited.

But this is what President Dr. Jim Ball has done as the leader of Carroll Community College (Carroll). 

Ball, the college’s 3rd president, announced to the college community that he will retire after the end of the current school year on July 5, 2024. That date will demark ten service years as President and 25 years’ service in executive-level leadership at Carroll, and it will conclude a career spanning 47 years in higher education.

“Dr. Ball has worked to strategically position Carroll for the future, managed the College effectively through a pandemic, and communicated openly and honestly with all constituencies,” said Mary Kay Nevius-Maurer, chair of the board of trustees. “On behalf of the board of trustees, we could not be more grateful for his service. After an active career spanning 47 years, his retirement is well-earned. The legacy and the culture he created will be felt for years. We wish him nothing but the best.”

Over the past four years, Carroll has been rated as the top community college in Maryland for its student outcomes by such organizations as Intelligent.com, and Edsmart.org. 

“The greatest honor of my career has been to serve as President of Carroll Community College,” Ball said.  “I am very proud of Carroll. We are known for our culture of collaboration, inclusion, and devotion to student success and for our impact on the community. I am grateful to our Board of Trustees, our Foundation Board, my executive team, and all employees, past and present, who have contributed to our success and helped us consistently earn high ratings as a College, both in Maryland and nationally. I have had the dream job leading the dream team.”

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Rose Mince as Carroll Community College’s next President, to be effective on July 6, 2024. During the period of January 2 to July 5, 2024, Dr. Mince will assume the title of Associate President. As Associate President, she will carry out her current duties and work alongside Dr. Ball to create a smooth transition of leadership for the College.