In 1978, he was named associate director of the science and public policy program at the University of Oklahoma. Nine years later, he was promoted to director of the program and professor of political science. In 1989, he moved to the University of Maine as founding director of the Margaret Chase Smith Center for Public Policy, a post he held until 1998. While at the University of Maine, he also served as director of the University of Maine System/State Government Partnership Program from 1990 to 1992 and as chair of the Department of Public Administration from 1991 to 1994.
His teaching and research have centered on leadership in the public sector, research and development and the innovation process, public policy, and the utilization of scientific and technical knowledge. He has authored five books and more than one hundred professional articles and manuscripts on such topics as environmental regulation, the evaluation of systems for child mental health, and public reactions to strategic defense initiatives and arms control policies.
On July 1, 2015, Dr. Ballard announced that he would be leaving his position as Chancellor of East Carolina University effective July 1, 2016.