Brandy Baze-Ballard, M.A.

Director of Strategic Initiatives
970-947-8390 | bbaze-ballard@coloradomtn.edu

What has been your educational journey?

I always knew I would go to college but was not sure where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I was an athlete growing up, so continuing my athletic career drove me where I would go to college. I knew that I wanted to continue playing softball and I wanted to get out of my hometown.

I went to the University of Arkansas and started out majoring in Elementary Education. I ended up switching to K-12 Teaching Physical Education/Wellness & Leisure in hopes of tying my passion for softball and helping students pursue their athletic careers beyond high school.

After graduation, I was interested in coaching at the collegiate level, so I pursued a graduate assistantship coaching at the University of Missouri – Kansas City which allowed me to pursue a Masters's in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis on Sports Administration.

What is your role at CMC and COSI?

I oversee CMC’s COSI grants and work to support our students at all campuses. I work to create processes for COSI and build connections across the college. I love that my role also allows our department to connect COSI to other opportunities to better support our students.

What got you to CMC and what keeps you here?

CMC piqued my interest when I learned how dynamic CMC really is. We offer certificates, associates, and bachelor’s degrees. So, students can come and earn a credential, get into the workforce, and continue to pursue another credential.

CMC offers so many unique opportunities whether it is in the classroom, on campus, or in the local communities and I love that CMC genuinely wants to support student and community needs. I also love that in my role, we get to create opportunities for students that have not always been there.