Student Affairs
Ellie Ash-Balá, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Ellie serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Ursinus. Specifically, Ellie provides leadership and support for the areas of residence life, student engagement, student government, the Abele scholars, and works with campus partners on family engagement and retention initiatives. She holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Colorado State University, with a research focus on race/racism in higher education and white student racial identity development. She is passionate about building equitable and inclusive communities and supporting students on their college journey.
Background
Ellie has been in student affairs for over 20 years. Her previous role was as the Associate Dean of Campus Life at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, where she worked with student government, clubs and organizations, sexual violence prevention education and response, orientation, outdoor education, and more. As a lifelong west-coaster, Ellie moved to PA with her wife and two dogs in 2023 to join the Ursinus community. They are huge baseball fans and they are looking forward to cheering on the Phillies (just as long as they are not playing their beloved Dodgers!).
Education
- Ph.D., Higher Education Leadership, Colorado State University
- M.A., Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary
- B.A., Music & Religious Studies, Claremont McKenna College