Engineering Professor Receives James D. Ballif Teacher of the Year Award
Engineering Professor Austin Ball was named the 2025 James D. Ballif Teacher of the Year. This new award recognizes extraordinary teaching and mentorship in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at USU. The awardee is chosen exclusively by students.
Professor Austin Ball of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has been named the 2025 James D. Ballif Teacher of the Year.
Its namesake benefactor, James D. Ballif, gifted a substantial endowment to fund the award in perpetuity. Ballif is an advocate of the importance of quality teaching and attributes his own success to several professors who went the extra mile when he was a student. Professors including Calvin Clyde, Irving Dunn and Alvin Bishop were not only academic guides but also life mentors for Ballif, offering advice on career decisions, personal investments and even life insurance.
Ballif earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from USU in 1965 and a master's from USU in civil and environmental engineering in 1969. His contributions ensure that future generations of USU students will benefit from the same strong foundation that launched his career.
Ball joined USU as a professor of practice in 2018 after 15 years of industry experience. He has taught multiple courses, including design, mechanics of materials, surveying, engineering economics, statics, bridge engineering, and more. He says his role as a mentor is to bridge the gap between academics and the professional world while providing students with practical insights that enhance their classroom experience and prepare them for successful careers.
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Writer: Madeline Buskirk, madeline.buskirk@usu.edu, 435-797-7512
Contact: Austin Ball, austin.ball@usu.edu, 435-797-2777