Dr. Kymm Ballard

Biography

Dr. Kymm Ballard joined the department as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Health and Physical Education Program in 2014. She prepares students to teach health and physical education in K-12 schools and serves all other exercise science students also. Kymm serves local and national school districts and organizations in developing partnerships that promote lifelong wellness.

Dr. Ballard has 10+ years’ experience instructing elementary and secondary students. She spent more than 11 years working at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction working with curriculum and athletics, securing resources, and providing professional development for implementing effective health, physical education, and athletic programs. Kymm sits on several Board to stay involved with national initiatives including SHAPE America, RMC Health, and NC SHAPE.

Dr. Ballard is currently the President of both SHAPE America and NC SHAPE representing the health and physical educators across the state and country. Kymm’s service is extensive. In part, she was awarded with the National 2002 P. E. 4 Life Advocate of the Year award for her work both in North Carolina and in Washington, DC. Dr. Ballard is also the first and only teacher to receive both the Physical Education Teacher of the Year and Health Education Teacher of the Year Awards in the same year. Dr. Ballard has received the NC Coach of the Year award and the highest Honor Awards presented by North Carolina AAHPERD. Among her most notable awards, Dr. Ballard was awarded the Channing Mann, National Administrator of the Year by her colleagues in National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Moreover, at the same national conference, she was awarded the highest honor award of the Society of State Directors for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, the Si McNeely award.

Dr. Ballard is an alumnus of Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.