Dr. Gregory F. Ball Appointed as Vice President for Research
The BSOS community congratulates Dr. Gregory F. Ball, who will begin serving as Vice President for Research—overseeing the joint research enterprise at the University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland, Baltimore—on Feb. 1. Dr. Ball joined BSOS in 2014 as Dean and as a Professor in the Department of Psychology.
“Dr. Ball’s exemplary leadership record combined with a commitment to interdisciplinary research, scientific standards and diversity in education make him an ideal choice to keep us on our upward trajectory in world-leading research and innovation,” said President Darryll J. Pines.
As dean, Dr. Ball has prioritized diversity and inclusion in faculty and staff hiring. He also focused on modernizing research training and expanding experiential learning opportunities and career preparation services for all students in the college.
"Greg has been a wonderful dean for the college," said Dr. Katherine Pedro Beardsley, chair of the BSOS Board of Visitors, who formerly served as an associate dean in the college. "His vision for the college, his implementation of new academic programs and support for research, his commitment to service on the campus, and his advocacy and support for the faculty, students, staff and alumni has been superb."
Dr. Ball has also maintained an active research lab. His research examines seasonal changes in the brains and behavior of songbirds in order to understand how hormones and external environmental stimuli affect behavior. A highly accomplished scientist, Dr. Ball has amassed more than 200 research publications and continues to receive research grant support from the National Institutes of Health.
Prior to joining the University of Maryland, Dr. Ball was Vice Dean for Science and Research Infrastructure in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), and also served as director of the school’s undergraduate neuroscience program. He was a faculty member in the JHU Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences for 23 years.
Dr. Ball earned a B.A. in psychology from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in psychobiology from the Institute of Animal Behavior at Rutgers University. He completed his postdoctoral work in comparative neuroendocrinology and ethology at Rockefeller University. He also has held faculty appointments at Rutgers University and Boston College.
Dr. Ball will serve a three-year appointment.
A search committee is currently being formed as the University prepares to launch a national search for the next Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences who will lead BSOS to continued excellence in the future.
Dr. Wayne McIntosh will serve as the college's interim dean, effective Feb. 1. Dr. McIntosh brings an extensive range of administrative experience to his new role as Interim Dean. He has served BSOS as the Associate Dean for Graduate and Faculty Affairs, Director of Undergraduate Programs, Associate Chair in the Department of Government and Politics, and as an accomplished faculty member, recognized for outstanding teaching and mentorship. In addition, he has successfully competed for external funding, with two multi-year grants awarded by the National Science Foundation.
Dr. McIntosh earned a B.A. in Political Science from The University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Washington University, St. Louis. He was a Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar Mentor, University of Maryland Faculty Mentor of the Year, and has been awarded many prizes and awards including the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Panhellenic Society, Lilly-CTE Teaching Fellow, and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award. He was also awarded the BSOS Dean's Medal in 2021; the Dean's Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
"Wayne’s knowledge and experience will be of great benefit during a time of transition. I know that he will rely on the BSOS community's support and input, as I have always done, to make the days ahead great ones for the college," Dr. Ball said.
Published on Mon, Jan 24, 2022 - 7:22PM