Genny Ballard

Genny Ballard is the Charles T. Hazelrigg Professor of Spanish at Centre College, where she has been a dedicated educator since 2004. She teaches a range of Spanish language, literature, and culture courses with a strong emphasis on community-based learning and international engagement. She has directed study abroad programs in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Nicaragua, Spain, France, and Andorra, and has been instrumental in developing high-impact educational practices at the college.

Education:

• PhD in Hispanic Studies, University of Kentucky
• MAT in Teaching, Foreign Language, and Social Studies, University of Louisville
• BA in Government, Centre College

Her research focuses on intercultural competence, language learning, and experiential education. She integrates reflection, service-learning, and writing-intensive pedagogies into her courses. She has developed innovative curricula for study abroad, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean, emphasizing reciprocity and community engagement.

The most recent publications and presentations reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend, combining education, cultural studies, language pedagogy, and social justice. Her work frequently explores how language, culture, and identity intersect in both formal and informal learning environments, especially in international and bilingual contexts.

Scientific Awards:

• Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award (Colombia ICETEX, 2019–2020)
• NEH Summer Scholar (2019)

Ballard has secured multiple institutional grants to support community-based learning and international programs. She mentors students through study abroad, internships, and capstone research projects, particularly in the Spanish senior seminar (SPA 500). She played a key role in establishing the Centre College After-School Program for immigrant and first-generation K–12 students and has facilitated internships for the Lincoln Scholars Program in Guatemala and Costa Rica. She collaborates with universities in Colombia, including Universidad del Norte and Universidad de la Guajira, on research and pedagogical development.

She is actively involved in academic teams focused on diversity, inclusion, and international education. Her work bridges classroom learning with real-world engagement, especially through partnerships with organizations like FIMRC and Safe Passage.