FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 18, 2011
Contact: Angelica Shields
(757) 240-8782
as2@muw.edu

Dr. Ward named as MUW’s Black History Month Educator of the Year nominee

COLUMBUS, Miss. - Dr. James D. Ward, professor of political science at Mississippi University for Women, was recently selected as the university’s 2011 Black History Month Educator of the Year nominee.

Dr. Ward was chosen for consideration of the Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institution of Higher Learning. He was among 10 of the state’s public university faculty members considered due to achievements in advancing diversity among their respective institutions.

Ward is a dedicated political science educator, mentor and author.

His first novel, “Fuhrer’s Heart: An American Story,” suspense thriller set in the New Orleans academic world, was published in 2007.

In addition to novel writing, Ward also has a background in broadcast journalism, having worked as a news reporter for WCBI-TV in Columbus.

Dr. Ward was very delighted about the nomination and spoke highly of the IHL Board Meeting and Luncheon held in Universities Center in Jackson.

He said, “In addition to receiving my recognition plaque, the highlight of the event for me was the luncheon with state dignitaries and several Freedom Riders from 1961.”

He mentioned Hank Thomas, who gave a keynote speech. Thomas was one of several dozen young people who came to Mississippi as a Freedom Rider in 1961.

“The purpose of the Freedom Riders was to challenge the system of racial inequality and segregation that was prevalent in Mississippi and other southern states at that time,” Ward said.

Additional information about Dr. Ward can be found on the Department of History, Political Science and Geography faculty webpage.