Rolanda Ward Recognized by National Association of Social Workers for Service to Underserved Communities

Rolanda Ward, associate professor of social work at Niagara University in New York, has been honored with the Katie Huntington Champion of Justice Award from the National Association of Social Workers. She was recognized for her scholarly work and service to underserved and oppressed populations and communities.

Dr. Ward’s career in higher education began in 2010 with the State University of New York at Fredonia as an assistant professor of social work. In 2015, she transitioned to her current role of associate professor with Niagara University. She also currently serves the university as the endowed faculty director of the Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equity, and Mission, as well as director of the Vincentian Scholars program. She previously served as co-chair of the university’s identifying and dismantling racial inequity task force.

Outside of her academic appointments, Dr. Ward is an activist for social justice within the local Niagara Falls area. She has led numerous community projects including the Niagara Falls Health Equity Task Force and the City of Niagara Falls Social Justice Commission Employment Subcommittee. Currently, she serves as director of the Race, Education, Advocacy, College-Credit-Courses in High School program.

Dr. Ward completed her undergraduate education at the University of Rochester in New York where she majored in psychology. She is a three time graduate of Boston University where she received a master of social work degree, a master of divinity degree, and a Ph.D. in sociology and social work.