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Our Team

Let our experience work for you. Our dedicated admissions counselors, led by military liaison Ken Kelly, have military backgrounds are here to assist you in navigating your many tuition assistance options.

We work with the various branches and other military organizations to ensure that you receive the fullest benefits available to you. We will help with the complexity so you can minimize your out-of pocket costs and focus on your career.

Team spotlight:

Bruce Ricketts

Ken Kelly

Sean Ballardo


Bruce Ricketts

Vice Chancellor, Government Programs, Jones International University

A retired Commander from the Naval Reserves, Bruce Ricketts has joined JIU as Vice Chancellor of Government Programs. In this capacity, he oversees the university’s special programs in the public sector, covering all U.S. federal, state, and local markets.

Prior his positions with JIU, Bruce led Sun Microsystems Federal Services Organization where his team provided support and professional services for the U.S. Government. Positions at Sun included Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President of World Wide Sun Services and Education Services Director for the Americas. His career includes Strategic Planning Manager and Senior Systems Engineer positions for Lockheed Martin.

Bruce served active duty in combat systems and engineering position on three Navy surface ships. He graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 and earned his MBA from Virginia Tech in 1995.

In addition to his role at JIU, Bruce also serves as Vice President Public Sector to our parent company, Jones Knowledge, Inc.

Ricketts' military career at a glance:

  • Commander, U.S Naval Reserves (Retired)
  • Active duty from 1983-1991 on three front-line surface combatants. Retired from Naval Reserves in 2005. Awards include Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Navy Commendation Medals, and 4 Navy Achievement Medals
  • Combat Systems Officer (Aegis Combat System) USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG-58)
  • Chief Engineer and Fire Control Officer (Aegis) USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47)
  • Navigator and Main Propulsion Assistant USS CARON (DD-970)
  • Reserves: Successfully transitioned 3-Dimensional Real-Time Visualization System from Naval Research Lab to deployment at Naval Weapon Ranges. Theater Ballistic Missile Defense, Range Safety, and Test & Evaluation were focus areas

Kenneth J. Kelly

Admissions Counselor III, Team leader/liaison for military and Troops to Teachers initiative

MBA, Illinois Benedictine University
BA, Aurora University
BSEET, DeVry University
AAS, DeVry Institute of Technology

Ken Kelly completed six years of service with the U.S. Navy before transitioning to a career in telecommunications. His positions in telecommunications included engineering, sales and marketing, program management, consulting, and serving as an analyst. He currently serves as an Admissions Counselor III for Jones International University and as liaison for the military and the Troops to Teachers initiative. In this capacity, he works with active duty and retired military personnel and their families to enable them to pursue higher education. Mr. Kelly is a past Associate Member of the Naval Institute and is a member of the American Legion.

As the leader of our dedicated military admission counselors, Ken ensures personal care in helping service members and their families define and realize education, professional, and personal goals.

Sean C. Ballardo

Admissions Counselor, liaison for military and Troops to Teachers initiative

BBA, University of South Carolina

Sean C. Ballardo completed his Bachelor of Business Administration while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Operation Desert Storm with MWSS-273. After the war, Mr. Ballardo became a member of the Rifle and Pistol Team and coached recruits in marksmanship at Perris Island, SC. Upon his honorable discharge in 1994, Mr. Ballardo worked in various industries before finding his niche in higher education, specializing in financial aid, where he worked for various universities and financial institutions. Sean eventually moved into admissions in an effort to better assist others in realizing their potential. He now serves as an Admissions Counselor for Jones International University and as liaison for the military and Troops to Teachers initiative. In this capacity, he works with active duty and retired military personnel and their families to enable them to pursue higher education.