Ward's Biographical Sketch

Since 1987, President of Lawson State Community College, a public institution in Alabama. B.S., Miles College; M.S.W. and Ph.D., University of Alabama. Executive Director of Basic Education, Birmingham Public Schools, 1979-1987; Director of Federal Programs Administration 1975-1979, Birmingham Public Schools; Adjunct Professor, University of Alabama Graduate School of Social Work, 1977-1982; Director of Emergency School Aid Act Program, Miles College, 1973-1975; Associate Director of Emergency School Assistance Program, 1972-1973; Instructor, Adult Education Program, Miles College, 1969-1971; Board Member, Compass Bank of Alabama; Member of Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Alabama; Board Member of the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation; Former President of the Birmingham Urban League; Former President of the Alabama College Association; Vice President of the Central Alabama Athletic Association; Member of the President’s Roundtable; Member of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Education Roundtable; Member of Mercedes Benz Pride Commission; National Board Member of the American Association of Community Colleges. Served extensively on regional accreditation committees. Participant in the AACC Presidents Academy. The recipient of the Kermit Mathison Outstanding Community College Administrator Award; the I-D-E-A Academy of Fellows Distinguished Educators Award; recipient of the NAACP Boy Scouts of America Appreciation Award, and the Headstart Recognition for Outstanding Service Award. Presenter at state and national conferences on issues concerning higher education and especially community colleges.