Arthur Ball, a collegiate assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has recently been honored with the prestigious Bradley Faculty Fellow of Education award by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. This fellowship, established in 2015, recognizes faculty members in the electrical and computer engineering department who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and innovation in teaching, student mentoring, and curriculum development.
Ball’s journey at Virginia Tech began as a graduate student, where he served as a research assistant in the Center for Power Electronic Systems under the mentorship of Fred Lee. His dedication and passion for the field led him to join the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as an instructor in 2015, eventually earning a promotion to collegiate assistant professor in 2021. Prior to his academic career, Ball gained valuable industry experience as a design engineer in the aerospace sector for a decade, providing him with a unique perspective that he brings into the classroom.
One of Ball’s significant contributions at Virginia Tech has been in curriculum development. Serving as the course content committee chair for a National Science Foundation grant, he spearheaded the redesign of traditional course materials to focus on threshold concepts and hands-on learning. This initiative resulted in the replacement of seven base courses with eight new courses in 2019, leading to substantial improvements in student learning outcomes. Ball has also revamped several other courses and introduced new lab components to enhance the educational experience for students.
In addition to his role in curriculum development, Ball is highly regarded as an exceptional classroom teacher. His ability to connect with students, coupled with his enthusiasm for the subject matter, creates a dynamic learning environment. Drawing from his industry and academic background, Ball has a knack for simplifying complex concepts and making them accessible to students, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Ball has been actively involved in mentoring engineering student teams and clubs at Virginia Tech. Serving as a faculty advisor for 10 different teams, including high-profile projects such as the BOLT electric motorcycle team, the U.S. Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition Wind Turbine Team, and the Solar Car team, Ball plays a crucial role in guiding students through real-world engineering challenges and competitions.
Ball’s academic journey includes earning two bachelor’s degrees from Bluefield State University and obtaining a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. His dedication to teaching, commitment to student success, and innovative approach to curriculum development have made him a valuable asset to the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, earning him the well-deserved recognition as the Bradley Faculty Fellow of Education.
