UK alum Jacob Ball receives Milken educator award

By Blake Jackson

University of Kentucky alumnus Jacob Ball, an agriculture teacher at Carter G. Woodson Academy, has been recognized with the prestigious Milken Educator Award. The award, often referred to as the "Oscars of Teaching," honors exceptional educators across the country for their innovation and excellence, including a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize.

Ball's passion for agriculture began during his childhood on his family's farm in Culvertown, Kentucky. He pursued his interest in agriculture education at the University of Kentucky, earning a bachelor of science degree in agricultural education and an education specialist degree in administration.

Currently, Ball teaches agriculture to 6th-12th graders at Carter G. Woodson Academy, where he is committed to opening the world of agricultural careers to his students. He has created a curriculum that emphasizes the contributions of minorities to agriculture, and his students have developed an Agriculture Wall of Fame featuring Hispanic and African American farmers across the United States.

Ball's dedication to his students is evident in their academic success. Six of his students have received full scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities in recent years, and 100 percent of his students passed their end-of-year exams last year, compared to just over half the year before.

Beyond the classroom, Ball has also worked to start a Junior MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) chapter in partnership with UK and established the school's FFA group. He believes that these extracurricular activities can help take his students' agricultural education experience to another level and help them pursue careers in the industry.

Ball's commitment to his students and his passion for agriculture education have made him a deserving recipient of the Milken Educator Award. He is an inspiration to his students and his colleagues, and he is helping to shape the future of agriculture education.

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky