NATCHEZ — John Ballard, son of Sallie Ballard and the late Basil Ballard, earned his doctoral degree in public health and epidemiology on Dec. 5 from Walden University.

Ballard is a graduate of Trinity Episcopal Day School. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from LSU in Baton Rouge and a master’s in business administration from Alcorn State University in Natchez.

He currently works as assistant CEO of Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly, Mo.

The graduation ceremony will be Jan. 19, in Miami, Fla.