Celebrating Michael Ball on His Retirement

By Jordan Meates • 13 July 2026

As Michael Ball (Residential Services Manager, University of Lincoln) prepares for his retirement, ASRA is proud to recognise his outstanding contribution to the Association and the wider student residential accommodation sector.

For many within our community, Mike has been a familiar face, trusted colleague and respected leader whose commitment to collaboration, professional development and excellence has helped shape ASRA into the organisation it is today.

Mike served as ASRA Chair from 2009 to 2015, leading the Association through a significant period of growth and development. His leadership was characterised by a strong commitment to supporting members, encouraging collaboration across the sector and ensuring ASRA remained a welcoming and influential professional network.

Following his successful tenure as Chair, Mike continued to support the Association by serving as Acting Vice Chair in 2016, providing invaluable continuity and guidance as Karen Burke took on the role of ASRA Chair. His willingness to continue serving the Association demonstrated the dedication and selflessness that have defined his involvement with ASRA over many years.

In recognition of his exceptional service and lasting impact, Mike was awarded ASRA Honorary Membership in 2017, one of the Association's highest honours. The award acknowledged not only his years of leadership but also the lasting influence he has had on colleagues, the Association and the student accommodation profession.

Mike's contribution has extended well beyond ASRA. He previously chaired the Sector Advisory Group (SAG) for the Universities UK/GuildHE Student Accommodation Code of Practice, helping to shape and promote standards across the higher education accommodation sector. More recently, he has continued to lend his expertise through his work with the ACoP Governance Board and the Compliance, Assurance & Scrutiny Board (CASB), supporting the effective governance, compliance and continuous improvement of the Code. Through these roles, Mike has played an important part in maintaining high standards of student accommodation for the benefit of institutions and the students they serve.

Throughout his career, Mike has been a passionate advocate for raising standards, sharing best practice and fostering the collaborative spirit that sits at the heart of ASRA and the wider student accommodation sector. His leadership has helped strengthen relationships across the profession and has left a legacy that continues to benefit current and future generations of accommodation professionals.

While Mike may now be retiring from his professional career, the impact of his work will continue to be felt across the student accommodation community for many years to come. His contribution extends far beyond the positions he has held; it is reflected in the many people he has supported, mentored and inspired throughout his career.

On behalf of everyone at ASRA, we extend our sincere thanks to Mike for his dedication, leadership and friendship over the years.

We wish Mike a long, happy and well-deserved retirement and hope that he will continue to remain part of the ASRA community for many years to come.

Thank you, Mike, for everything you have done for ASRA and for the student accommodation sector!