h
Collegedale News 4
Mental Health 9
Sports 9
Opinion 10
Religion 11
Lifestyle 11
The Southern Accent Update of the Week, page 7 Letter from the incoming editor: A story that's still being written Volume 81 Issue 22
The Student Voice Since 1929
Pressing Issue, page 10 Enthusiastic consent: It's more than yes or no
Collegedale, Tennessee
April 22, 2026
‘Mission moments’: Professor Lorraine Ball to retire after 25 years of service
Professor Lorraine Ball speaking at the Lambda Pi Eta induction. (Photo by Katie McConnell).
Natalie Sissac Contributor Early in her teaching career, Professor Lorraine Ball stood in a classroom full of students and explained the importance of using pathos, ethos and logos in persuasive speeches. To emphasize her point, she used as an example the warnings against smoking—and how, despite compelling evidence, many people still smoked cigarettes. After hearing her lecture, one of Ball’s students who had been experimenting with smoking decided to quit. It was then that Ball realized the real impact she could have on students as a professor. “You’re like, ‘Oh, I’m so humbled that the Lord could use me that way,’” she
said, recalling the pivotal moment. Now, 25 years later, Ball is retiring from the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC), where she has taught speech, public relations and communication courses to hundreds of students, leaving an indelible mark both as a professor and an adviser. Rachel Williams-Smith, dean of the SJC, described Ball as someone always willing to do her part and serve others. “She exemplifies dedication and excellence in teaching, consistently receiving high marks on her teaching evaluations,” Williams-Smith said. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to help students rise to the standard, rather than taking the easier route of lowering it for them.”
“Along with the other faculty and staff in the School of Journalism and Communication, I will deeply miss Professor Ball,” she continued. “She is not the kind of person who can simply be replaced. She leaves behind a legacy that challenges those of us who remain and will continue to influence the many students who have learned and grown under her guidance.” Stephen Ruf, an SJC professor, has worked with Ball for 25 years. Ruf said he will miss her positive, cheerful disposition and strong connection with students. “Mrs. Ball is so many things—a wise adviser, a well-connected PR professor and the most gracious host who opens her home to students,” Ruf said. “Always
organized and prepared, she expects a lot but is always there to coach a student who needs one-on-one help. I think her secret weapon is how deeply she really listens.” Currently, Ball advises more students than any other professor in the SJC, and she was named the university’s “Adviser of the Year” on two occasions. In 2022, Sharon Rogers, assistant director of Records and Advisement, wrote about Ball’s role as adviser in an article for The WIRE, the SJC’s departmental magazine. Rogers described great advisers as those who successfully assist, guide and encourage students, while helping their advisees meet gradSee Professor Ball on page 3
“I think her secret weapon is how deeply she really listens." - Stephen Ruf