04/24/2026
April’s Featured Flyer highlights Dr. Courtney Jarrett, Director of Disability Services within the Division of Student Affairs. Courtney oversees the university’s efforts to provide access and opportunity for students with disabilities. She reviews documentation, makes accommodation recommendations, trains faculty and staff, and consults on access issues across campus. Additionally, she is an Affiliate Faculty member in Women’s & Gender Studies, where she teaches a couple of classes each year, including an international course traveling to Japan for two weeks this summer.
-Why did you choose to work at Ball State?
I’m a triple alum of Ball State, and I love this place. When I came as an undergrad, I needed an on-campus job, so I was hired as a test proctor for students with disabilities at the BSU Learning Center. When I decided to go to grad school, I continued at the Learning Center as a graduate assistant, managing the Testing Desk and coordinating test proctors and accommodations. These roles helped me realize that I enjoy working with people with disabilities and could do that as a career.
As I worked on my doctorate, the Associate Director of Disability Services position opened, and I applied and was hired, beginning my professional staff career at BSU in 2009. I spent almost 10 years in that role before being hired as Director of Disability Services in 2018, which I still hold—now in my 17th year at BSU. I appreciated the mentoring and support I received as a student, and I now work here to give back so current students have that same support through my office.
-What’s your favorite part of working here?
The people are my favorite part of BSU. The students and staff in the DS office are phenomenal and make working there great. Students with disabilities have powerful BSU and career-related goals, and I enjoy getting to know them and supporting their access. I also appreciate the many faculty and staff across campus I collaborate with on access. There are only three of us as professional staff in DS serving 5,200 students, and we couldn’t meet their needs without collaborators across campus.
-What’s a project or moment here that makes you proud?
My favorite part of my job is attending Commencement and watching so many students I know cross the stage. It’s an accomplishment for every student to graduate, but it’s especially meaningful for many students with disabilities. I often meet them during pre-admission visits and hear stories of being discouraged from attending college or pursuing certain careers. They sometimes face unforeseen barriers at BSU that make their path longer or more challenging. I know they are capable, so celebrating with them at Commencement is fantastic—an excellent way to end each semester.
Thank you for all that you do, Courtney! We’re so grateful to have you as a part of the Cardinal community.