Rate My Professor Charlotte Ball

Charlotte Ball is the Executive Assistant to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Sciences at the University of Otago, located in Dunedin, New Zealand. In this key position within the Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor's Office, she delivers essential executive support that includes managing correspondence, undertaking research tasks, ensuring adherence to University and Divisional policies, processing Human Resources administration, and handling general office operations. Her contributions are vital to the office's mission of providing operational and strategic assistance to advance the Division of Sciences' teaching and research objectives across diverse scientific fields. Charlotte's expertise enables seamless coordination between the Pro-Vice-Chancellor's leadership and the broader divisional activities, supporting academic staff, administrative teams, and institutional initiatives.

Charlotte Ball received the Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff in the 2025 Vice-Chancellor's Staff Awards, highlighting her exemplary service. Nominators describe her as administratively brilliant, emotionally attuned, and socially supportive, with meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of University systems. She possesses an extraordinary speed, accuracy, and capability, often referred to as a master of her craft, a magician behind the keyboard, and a fountain of knowledge. Charlotte serves as the primary resource for resolving complex administrative challenges, providing clear solutions with confidence, and her encyclopedic knowledge of policies and procedures stands second to none. Her remarkable memory for staff locations, conference schedules, and pending tasks ensures proactive follow-up and support. Her influence extends throughout the Division of Sciences, where she has built a reputation as one of the University's most outstanding Executive Assistants, frequently praised institution-wide. Reflecting on her award, Charlotte stated, 'I am grateful to those who nominated me for taking the time to do so. I am proud to work for the University, and have enjoyed my time here so much that I have encouraged friends, family and my partner to work here, too.' As Professor Richard Barker transitions from the role, she anticipates supporting the incoming Pro-Vice-Chancellor to guide the Division forward.