Mrs. Ball is a 1976 graduate of the Community College of Baltimore. She earned her AA degree majoring in dental hygiene. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Antioch University with a concentration in Health Service Administration. Her current academic rank is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene.
Mrs. Ball has served as a member on several University of Pittsburgh and School of Dental Medicine committees which include: Faculty Retreat 1997-1998, School of Dental Medicine Budget and Planning 1998-2000, Affirmative Action 2001, Dental Hygiene Outcome subcommittee 2008, Diversity 2008- present, and Dean’s Advisory Committee 1995-2000. Mrs. Ball has chaired the Dental Hygiene Curriculum Committee, the Admission Committee 2002-2007, the Minority Affairs Committee 2004, and the Task Force for Legislative Issues 2001. In addition she has been a member of the Dental Hygiene Promotions Committee 1995 -2004, and the Dental Hygiene Outcomes Committee.
Mrs. Ball co-chaired the American Dental Education Association Dental Hygiene Educator’s Coordinator Luncheon 2006-2007. She served in the capacity of dental hygiene investigator on the "Family Studies of Early Onset Periodontitis" (NIH grant, 1991-1993) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
Mrs. Ball was a recipient of the University of Pittsburgh’s Provost Faculty Fellowship for Diversity 2006, and was recognized as one of 50 Women of Excellence 2010 by the New Pittsburgh Courier. She has worked in private practice, military facilities, health clinics, and has participated in the UPMC Health Black Family Project. Mrs. Ball focuses on using her faculty position to advocate for diversity throughout the health system.