Ballato selected for national higher educational leadership academy
November 17, 2014
CLEMSON, SC — Clemson University professor and senior administrator John Ballato has been accepted into the pilot cohort of the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership.
“I am honored to represent Clemson University in this program,” said Ballato, who previously served as Clemson’s interim vice president for research, associate vice president for research and economic development, and faculty representative to the board of trustees. In these roles, he represented Clemson in numerous economic development organizations and participated in the recruitment of new industry to the state.Ballato, who earlier this year was promoted to vice president for Economic Development, will be one of a select group of fellows across the nation that will help to shape this initiative, hosted by the presidents of Arizona State University and Georgetown University. The program’s goal: to help solve some of the toughest problems facing higher education.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to better understand policies and best practices that will define the future of higher education at Clemson, the state of South Carolina and the nation,” he said.
This inaugural class consists of 24 leaders, administrators and faculty members from 21 colleges and universities from across the nation. It will include four face-to-face sessions between November and June, with the first and last sessions in Washington, D.C., and the middle two sessions at Arizona State. Cohort members will discuss the past, present and future of higher education, look to create the future of learning within higher education, focus on governance and address possible changes needing to be made. The eight-month program began Thursday at Georgetown University and Arizona State University and focuses on preparing the fellows to lead organizational change at colleges and universities.
“This is a true honor, not only for John personally, but for Clemson University as well,” said Clemson President James P. Clements, who nominated Ballato. “It is no surprise that the leaders of ASU and Georgetown have recognized John and the abilities, thoughts and innovative ideas that he brings to the table. He will be a real asset to this program.”
Ballato earned his bachelor’s degree in ceramic science and engineering and doctorate in ceramic and materials engineering from Rutgers University. He has published more than 300 archival scientific papers, holds more than 25 U.S. and foreign patents, has been a principal investigator on more than $46 million in sponsored programs and has co-founded three South Carolina-based companies.
He is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, the International Society of Optical Engineering and the American Ceramic Society. He is a Liberty Fellow (class of 2007), fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, 2014 recipient of the Class of ’39 Award for Excellence and 2014 recipient of the South Carolina Governor’s award for Scientific Research.
Clemson University
Ranked No. 20 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit and a competitive drive to excel.
