Biography
Dr. Ward is a professor of social work, chair, and BSW program director at Niagara University. Since August 2017, she has served as the inaugural endowed faculty director of Niagara University’s Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equity, and Mission. Dr. Ward earned her doctorate in social work and sociology from Boston University. As a macro-trained practitioner and a research scholar, she has been the lead investigator or research associate on several studies focusing on society’s most vulnerable, underserved, proven-risk, and oppressed populations and communities. In addition, Dr. Ward has led projects in communities and within organizations that shift status quo outcomes. These days, she is particularly interested in college attainment and health outcomes. She is the Vice President for NASW-New York State and serves on several community boards.