By Ava Uhlack, April 28, 2026
Jane R. Ballinger was a professor emeritus within the College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences within the communication department at Cal Poly Pomona, but some knew her better as a mentor, adviser and even “Aunty Jane.”
Ballinger’s presence on campus was often described as tough but kind, with a side of dry, sarcastic humor that took some time to adjust to, according to Sunny Lie Owens, associate professor in the communication department, something the department will remember years after her death.
According to Lie Owens, Ballinger fought for students, their rights and their futures.
“As a mentor, she was inspiring,” Lie Owens said. “As a colleague, she was warm and supportive. The word that keeps coming up, is balanced. I want to emulate her kindness but also her honesty as I walk through my own personal life.”
A common theme between Ballinger’s colleagues was her consistent presence in the department.
Jason Turcotte, professor and chair of the communication department, remembers being interviewed by Ballinger and her uncanny ability to connect with everyone.
According to Turcotte, he remembers Ballinger as someone who was a deep thinker, and rather than sitting across from Turcotte during the interview, Ballinger sat in a chair next to him.
“I wouldn’t have come to Cal Poly Pomona if I hadn’t met Dr. Ballinger,” Turcotte said. “There was no pretension or ego. I knew that if I came here, she was going to help me succeed. She’s a big reason why I stayed here.”
According to Turcotte, Ballinger was vital in his growth as an adviser, letting him observe her office hours to better understand how to support students.
Malak Habbak, a journalist at CBS News and a CPP communication alumna, took multiple classes with Ballinger, who offered honors courses within the communication department for the Kellogg Honors College. She stated Ballinger was brilliant.
“I remember her pushing me so hard to improve my reporting,” Habbak said. “It was difficult to hear some things she was saying, but I can say everything I’ve become was because of her. Her tough love was needed.”
According to Habbak, Ballinger was her adviser, most notably encouraging her to pursue hard news, which served as the heart and soul of Habbak’s CPP experience.
“The reason I’m a journalist today is because of her,” Habbak said. “I started off as a public relations emphasis. She encouraged me to switch. I succeeded in large thanks to Dr. Ballinger.”
Ballinger’s impact rippled through the communication department, according to Interim Associate Dean for Personnel and Academic Resources for CLASS and professor in the communication department Nell Horowitz.
At the time of Horowitz’s arrival to CPP, she was the only junior faculty, and her office was located next door to Ballinger.
“She was here four days a week, and her door was always open,” Horowitz said. “She was the constant within the department.”
According to Horowitz, Ballinger had a habit of “calling people out on their bullsh*t,” if they were slacking or settling.
“I don’ t know anyone else who could pull it off,” Horowitz said. “She could give the tough love but still make students feel valued and cared for.”
Ballinger was raised in a large family and was the first among them to get a PhD., providing Ballinger with a unique understanding of what students struggled with, according to Horowitz.
Ballinger’s influence spread beyond the classroom, according to Horowitz, becoming a close family member to Horowitz’s children. Horowitz said there are numerous memories of Ballinger enjoying park days and board games with her children, even stepping in to assist Horowitz outside of working hours with child care.
“She would always remind me when I had mom guilt about being at work, that I’m the best mom, and I do more for my kids than anyone she knows,” Horowitz said. “It’s hard not having her in my ear right now.”
Horowitz quoted Sara Garver, former dean and associate dean of CLASS, saying Ballinger created the department she loved so much.
“She advised The Poly Post and did Event Planning,” Horowitz said. “There isn’t a class we have today that she didn’t have a part in teaching or creating.”
Ballinger started at CPP in 1997, spanning almost 29 years of impact. For those looking to pay respects or read more about Ballinger’s journey, there is a memorial and memory wall available on the CPP website.
Feature image courtesy of Nell Horowitz
