MESA, Ariz. (July 27, 2005) – When Ontonio Ballard was in high school—a school where less than 1 percent of the student population was African American, he appreciated and learned from a student advisor who took the extra time to mentor and help guide him through both academic and social situations. That’s what Ballard hopes to do in his new role as program advisor for Mesa Community College’s (MCC) Multicultural Center and as club advisor for MCC’s Black Student Union.
“I’ve always wanted a job like this because I was a product of what a good advisor can mean to a struggling student,” Ballard said. “Sometimes it’s hard for students to ask for help; many of them keep quiet and they get discouraged by a number of things going on in their lives and their schoolwork. I want to be there to help eliminate the stress and the sometimes discouraging aspects of college life and let students know that there’s someone on campus who cares about them as an individual.”
Ballard will be responsible for academic advisement for MCC’s African American student population which makes up 4 percent of overall student enrollment. He’ll act as an advisor for student activities and for the Black Student Union’s organized events. He’ll also work closely with the Multicultural Center’s Asian and Hispanic student advisors in coordinating activities and programs on campus for all ethnic groups.
“When I was a college student, I participated in many multicultural events, such as Future Teachers of Color where we encouraged high school students of color to explore teaching as a possible career, the BOLD Conference—Black Male Orientation and Leadership Development, and Black History Month Task Force,” Ballard said. “These are the types of activities in which I hope to advise MCC’s African American students and encourage their participation.”
As program advisor, Ballard wants to incorporate some new marketing and recruitment methods targeting feeder schools around Mesa Community College to provide more awareness to African American high school students about what the college has to offer in terms of multicultural programs. He also plans to enhance retention efforts by tracking African American students’ progress throughout the academic year, contacting them periodically to ensure that they’re on the right track with their academics and activities.
Ballard earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Washington State University. Prior to joining MCC’s Multicultural Center, Ballard was a recruiter with Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Before moving to Arizona in 2001, he taught seventh grade social studies in Washington.
“Believe me, this will be much less stress than working with a group of seventh graders,” he said with a laugh. “I’m really looking forward to interacting with a more mature student population and getting to know the African American students on campus.”
JPEG PHOTO ACCOMPANIES THIS NEWS RELEASE: Ontonio Ballard was recently named program advisor for Mesa Community College’s Multicultural Center and club advisor for MCC’s Black Student Union.
For additional information on educational and scholarship
opportunities visit www.mc.maricopa.edu.
