John Ball: A Passion for Teaching and Student Success

As you step into John Ball's digital signal processing class at MSU, you're immediately drawn into his enthusiasm for teaching. It's close to 4:00 p.m., the time of day when students and professors alike are often tired and ready for the day to end. But despite the late timeslot, Ball, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, keeps everyone engaged. His passion for the subject is contagious, sparking active participation from students throughout the lecture.

A Starkville native, Ball’s connection to the university runs deep—his father, Billie J. Ball, served as the electrical and computer engineering department head for 28 years. This family legacy allowed Ball to build close relationships with faculty before becoming a student, and he strives to emulate this with his students today. After earning his bachelor's degree at MSU, Ball ventured into industry and government work, including a stint at the Naval Surface Warfare Center. He also earned a master's from Georgia Tech and a doctoral degree from MSU.

During his time at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Ball discovered his love of teaching. He helped develop a radar apprenticeship program, where he found great satisfaction in guiding others and witnessing their "aha" moments. This experience, coupled with encouragement from a former MSU department head, eventually led Ball to transition to academia.

Since joining the faculty in 2013, Ball has made a lasting impact on his students. He teaches a variety of courses, from the foundational signals and systems to sensor processing for autonomous vehicles, a class he designed from scratch to address a specific need. His interactive teaching style, which emphasizes in-class discussions and hands-on learning, has earned him the respect and admiration of his students.

"I really enjoy it. To teach, you need to really know the material," Ball explained. "But more important than that, it's relating to the students and getting them enthusiastic and seeing that moment when the light bulb comes on."

Ball's dedication to his students' success extends beyond the classroom. He brings in industry professionals to share their expertise, often leading to job opportunities for his students. He also mentors students, giving them career advice and guiding them through the challenges of their academic journey.

This commitment to student success has not gone unnoticed. Ball has received numerous teaching awards, including the prestigious Grisham Master Teaching Award, which he received in a surprise classroom ambush. He has also been recognized with the Graduate Teaching Award from the Alumni Association and the Bagley Academy of Distinguished Teachers, among other accolades.

"I expected it to take longer," Ball says of the Grisham award. "So, I was totally surprised when they ambushed me in the classroom."

As Ball continues to inspire and guide the next generation of engineers, his passion for teaching and his unwavering dedication to his students' growth and success shine through. Whether it's in the classroom, the lab, or the community, John Ball's impact on the lives of his students is undeniable.