Faculty Member
Jessica Ballard is an Event Professional with over fifteen years of experience in the education, non-profit and performing arts industries. She is a Professional in Residence Faculty Member at Utah Valley University (UVU) in the Woodbury School of Business teaching Event Planning/Management and other related courses for the Event and Hospitality Management Program.
Jessica previously worked as the Senior Director of Executive Events at UVU planning events for the institution such as galas, ceremonies, ribbon-cuttings, and other major celebrations. Prior to UVU, she has managed events for the American Red Cross of Utah, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and Westminster College.
Jessica currently serves as a board member on the Young Leaders Advisory Board for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and as Past President of the UVU Chapter of the Utah Women in Higher Education Network (UWHEN), and previously served as Chair of Utah Event Tribe.
Jessica has a Master of Professional Communication Degree from Westminster College of Salt Lake City. She is also a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). She has been recognized as a Fellow by the Higher Education Academy.
Award recognitions include the UVU Dean’s Award of Excellence in Service (2021), Presidential Award of Excellence for Effectiveness (2014) and a UVU Divisional Award of Excellence (2013).
Major: Professional Communication
Major: Communication
Advanced Event Production, Spring 2025
Business Career Strategy, Spring 2025
Event Planning, Spring 2025
Event Venue and Convention Management, Spring 2025
Internship, Spring 2025
Internship, Spring 2025
Internship, Spring 2025
Internship, Spring 2025
FROM Matt Jones_
A huge Wolverine shout-out to the group for making UVU's inaugural foray into the FanX fandom a success. On behalf of my production co-pirate (not a typo) Joelle Liberman and myself, we thank you for your direct and indirect support, accountability, and Wolverine grit. We couldn't have done it without you.
In Recognition of her impressive 142% increase in the Event Management Major.
2024 Department Champion of Inclusion_ Organizational Leadership Department
The UVU Organizational Leadership academic department, housed in the Woodbury School of Business, demonstrates the impact and advantages of fostering inclusivity at UVU through integrating diversity into the curriculum, recruiting qualified diverse faculty, hosting guest speakers and events, supporting student organizations, and conducting research. The department works to evaluate individuals based on their merits and qualifications, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. For example, they have increased gender equity among full-time faculty from just over 10% women to now over 50% women over the last four years. The department also houses the Women in Business Impact Lab, which serves the campus and the broader community by promoting greater inclusion and equity throughout organizations in Utah.
By showcasing the positive outcomes associated with inclusivity, they highlight the advantages of creating an inclusive campus culture that benefits all students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. The department is committed to preparing future leaders who understand and appreciate the power of inclusivity and engagement.
Congratulations Jessica you have been awarded the Wolverine Sighting Award!
You were nominated by Amanda Kimball for the following act of service_
Jessica was instrumental in hosting the State UWHEN Conference here on campus. It absolutely could not have happened without her expertise, her dedication, and her follow-through. It ended up being a major lift in the midst of ordinary life, and she balanced it all with grace and professionalism. I appreciate Jessica for making sure that UVU was a positive experience for all those who came to campus that day from around the state.
In recognition of her work with teaching student how to put on amazing events, and for being a crazy hard worker, super smart, and thoughtful!
July 2023
Amy Saville reported the following_ Jessica goes above and beyond for her students. She is an amazing advocate for helping students reach their goals even when that requires a ton of extra work on her end. She has patience and does all she can to help her students find success in their education goals. Jessica is truly appreciated and I'm inspired by her and her devotion to her work.
