Each week we will share exciting, innovative, and groundbreaking news about Virginia Union University as we make progress to Best in Class. Help us spread the GOOD NEWS! Virginia Union University Welcomes Everett B. Ward, Ph.D. As Senior Fellow for the Center for Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
For Immediate Release,
Contact: Erika Roache
Director of Public Relations
Office of the President
ERoache@vuu.edu
Everett B. Ward, Ph.D., an educator, public administrator, and humanitarian with over 35 years of national experience, has joined the VUU family as the new senior fellow for the Center for Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Ward served as the 11th President of Saint Augustine's University, North Carolina state government administrator, and General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
During his tenure as President of Saint Augustine's University (2014-2019), Dr. Ward successfully led the university to restore accreditation fully, championed academic excellence, promoted teaching innovation, broadened external partnerships, engaged alumni, and an enhanced relationship with the Episcopal Church. Founded in 1867, Saint Augustine's University is one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Transparency and shared governance served as the cornerstones of his administration. Dr. Ward received several awards for his distinguished leadership.
"I'm honored to join the Virginia Union University Center for Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Documenting the contributions of HBCUs and researching sustainability strategies for these universities serves as a primary function of the Center," said Ward. "As a former HBCU president, trustee, and administrator; along with being a proud HBCU graduate, I will use these experiences to support the achievement of our goals during my tenure."
Dr. Ward has served on and chaired two university advisory boards. From 2009-2011, Dr. Ward served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saint Augustine's University. Dr. Ward also served as Vice Chairman of the Association of Episcopal Colleges and Universities and a member of the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and a member of the Board of Directors of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Before serving Saint Augustine's University, Dr. Ward served as Director of Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU)/Minority Institutions of Higher Education (MIHE) Program for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. In this role, Dr. Ward worked with university chancellors, faculty, and staff in transportation curriculum development, research initiatives, and professional development. In addition, Dr. Ward served on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) HBCU/MIHE Work Group.
As General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Dr. Ward led the 200,000 plus member organization from 2017-2020. Founded in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is the oldest collegiate fraternity incorporated by African American men. The fraternity membership has included such notable leaders as Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Congressman Adam Clayton Powell.
Recognized nationally for his public service Dr. Ward serves on several national, regional, and statewide boards to advance citizens' opportunities. He is a former member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where he served as vice-chairman of the DNC Black Caucus. Dr. Ward made history by becoming the first African American to serve as executive director of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
Dr. Ward is a frequent speaker in areas of higher education, leadership development, and civic engagement. As a public leader, Dr. Ward was invited by the Taiwanese government to study the political, educational, and cultural institutions of the Republic of China. In addition, Dr. Ward contributed to the publication, Lead the Way: Principles and Practices in Community and Civic Engagement. His research focus includes African American leadership and civic engagement.
Dr. Ward is President of The Blacknall Group, LLC. The Blacknall Group is a public affairs company focused on collaboration between higher education and the state and federal government.
Dr. Ward earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Augustine's University (College), Master of Arts degree from North Carolina State University, and Ph.D. from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Ward was a North Carolina A&T State University Wardham Scholar and a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key International Honor Society.
Dr. Ward holds membership in Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boule), the 100 Black Men, Inc., and Life Membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In addition, he is a lifelong member of Davie Street Presbyterian Church, the USA, where he is a Ruling Elder.
About Virginia Union University
Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu for more information.