Dr. Aaron Ball
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University's 2010-2011 Board of Governor's Teaching award winner is Dr. Aaron Ball, Professor in the Engineering and Technology Department in the Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology. Dr. Ball earned his B.S. and M.A. degrees from Appalachian State University and his doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. He joined the WCU faculty in 1977 and also currently serves as the graduate coordinator for the Masters of Science in Technology program and teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Dr. Ball brings a plethora of experience to his teaching after he returned from engineering design and production positions to pursue his graduate career. This real world application to his field of engineering and technology enables him to constantly provide problem-solving examples to his students of how to visualize and apply the theory and calculations that he teaches. His ability to make this connection with students to utilize the ever-changing tools that are available to faculty and students enables him to inspire, teach, and lead students to successful careers.
The connection to the Southeast that Dr. Ball brings to his students is very real and shows in the numerous research, internship, and service projects that he has developed with partners in the region. From assisting with design issues with Caterpillar, Inc., to hands-on experience with Snap-On Tools production and testing, to basic research with Oak Ridge National Lab and the U.S. Coast Guard, Dr. Ball has exposed his students to the real needs and applications that engineering has in our region.
Dr. Ball is also moved and motivated by inspiring feedback from his students, sometimes long after they complete his challenging courses. Marta Fakhoury observed that "Within his classes, there is a sense that you are part of something that is dynamic allowing for more of everyone's ideas which promotes larger and open thinking and response, stimulating out-of-the box, independent and open discussions within the lecture topic." The life-long learning that Dr. Ball demonstrates in his own life and career continues to inspire and motivate his students as they develop their own careers in design, production, research, and teaching.