Ball most recently served as president and chief executive officer of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.
A passionate advocate for economic development and entrepreneurship, Ball brings a wealth of experience to this vital role to help the university grow entrepreneurship in the region.
“It is an honor to be chosen as the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and to be entrusted to carry on the impactful work of Dr. Ben Eng, the center’s founder and a great friend and mentor of mine,” Ball said. “I’m excited to return to Marshall at such an exciting time for the university, city, and region and in a role that integrates my background in higher education with the work that I’ve developed a deep passion for during my time at the Chamber.”
Ball is a first-generation college graduate originally from southwestern Pennsylvania. There, she learned the impact of entrepreneurship firsthand from her parents, who were small business owners.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and business administration from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida.
Interim Dean of the Lewis College of Business Ben Eng led the iCenter before his interim dean appointment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tricia Ball back to the iCenter as its Executive Director. Tricia’s return is a true homecoming, and her unique combination of expertise in design thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development makes her uniquely qualified to lead the center and drive forward the iCenter’s mission of inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship across the College of Business, the campus of Marshall, and our community,” Eng said.
Ball and her husband, Christopher, have two young sons, Aaden and Ethan.
For more information on entrepreneurship at Marshall, visit the iCenter at www.muicenter.com.