Ballard to retire from UNC System

Dr. Sharon Ballard is completing her 26th year at East Carolina University and will be retiring from the UNC System. Ballard, an HHP Wall of Fame member and valued mentor, has been chair of the Department of Human Development and Family Science for most of her Pirate career.

She will remain at ECU through the spring semester, then transition during the summer and pursue a new opportunity at Auburn University upon retiring from the UNC System.

Dr. Sharon Ballard, left, talks to the audience during the third annual Women Leaders at ECU panel event. (ECU News Services photo)

Ballard, who also currently serves as interim chair of the Department of Interior Design and Merchandising, was a faculty member for 12 years before becoming interim chair of what was then known as the Department of Child Development and Family Relations. After a year as the interim chair, she was selected as permanent department chair in 2013 and promoted to full professor in 2018.

She has gained many accomplishments as a certified family life educator since 1998. Her research has primarily focused on family life education programming and practice, parent education and sexuality education, and she’s led a variety of family life education programs in community settings.

Ballard remarked on her time and memories at ECU:

“During my 26 years at ECU, I have had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues. ECU is such a special place and I will always cherish my time here. No matter where I go, I will always consider myself a Pirate!”

The university has honored Ballard for her impact throughout her career, including as a Treasured Pirate, the ECU Centennial Award for Leadership and among the 2017 Women of Distinction. In 2024, Ballard served as a panelist at the third annual Women Leaders at ECU event. She also earned the 2007 UNC Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award. She was recognized by the National Council on Family Relations for her work in family life education with the Certified Family Life Educator Service Award in 2012 and the Margaret E. Arcus Outstanding Family Life Educator Award in 2016.

Dean Dr. Nicole Bromfield represents the college in expressing gratitude for Dr. Ballard’s dedication and meaningful work. Her leadership and presence will be missed, though we wish her the best in this next phase of her journey.