About
Joseph Ballard II (he/him) serves as the Director of Student Services in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan. Bringing over 15 years of dedicated leadership experience in higher education, Joseph oversees the strategic administration of both undergraduate and graduate programs in the department.
His extensive responsibilities include overseeing curriculum planning, enrollment management, academic advising/support, programming, and graduate student funding frameworks, with a core focus on advancing student recruitment, success, engagement, and holistic support. Joseph leads strategic initiatives that champion equity, access, and opportunity for a diverse student body, dismantling institutional barriers to ensure every student can thrive. Actively navigating critical matters related to student well-being, academic integrity, and community-building, he works collaboratively to foster an environment where academic excellence and comprehensive student care go hand in hand.
Throughout his career, Joseph has focused on student advocacy, success, support, and access & opportunity, while working to dismantle the "hidden curriculum" in higher education and build robust institutional support systems. As a proud two-time first-generation college student and graduate, his leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in transparency, empathy, professional empowerment, and a partnership-based approach. This ensures that students, faculty, and staff collaborate effectively to foster an inclusive and welcoming academic community. In recognition of his deep commitment to student growth, success, and institutional equity, he was honored with the North Campus Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award for Mentoring & Inspiration, as well as the John T. Matlock Cornerstone Award.
Joseph is an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator. He holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration (Student Affairs) from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Business Management from Oklahoma State University. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys traveling, cooking, attending concerts, and watching movies.
