University of Cincinnati names graduate school dean
Rose Marie Ward will serve as vice provost and dean of UC's Graduate School
Valerio Ferme, PhD, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Cincinnati, today announced the appointment of Rose Marie Ward, PhD, as vice provost and dean of the Graduate School.
Ward, who will begin her new role July 1, 2022, pending approval by the UC Board of Trustees, currently serves as professor of kinesiology, nutrition and health and associate dean of the Graduate School at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Ward has extensive experience in graduate education including financial and strategic planning, development of new degree and certificate programs, research, and cross-college and programmatic engagement.
Rose Marie Ward, PhD
“Rose Marie is a proven collaborative leader. Her skills and experience working across colleges to address emerging trends within higher education will bolster strategic initiatives to advance the impact of the Graduate School, and importantly foster student success,” says Ferme. “Her passion for innovation, graduate education and for strengthening UC’s diverse and inclusive community is contagious and will be embraced by many.”
Throughout her career Ward has championed and established many graduate student and diversity support programs and services and currently serves as the principal investigator (PI) and Co-PI for three National Science Foundation diversity and inclusion grants. Additionally, Ward’s work has led to increased graduate student research opportunities.
I look forward to the opportunity to come alongside students, staff, and faculty as we boldly imagine what is next in graduate education.
Rose Marie Ward, PhD
Ward says she is thrilled join the UC Bearcat family. “The Bearcat family's passion for innovation and inclusion makes UC the ideal testbed for transformative experiences and for local and global impact.”
Ward joined Miami University in 2002 and has held several positions including director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, associate dean for graduate studies and interim associate provost and dean for graduate studies. She is a 2021 Miami University honoree for excellence in research, and 2013 recipient of the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities Teaching Award. In 2011, she received the National Society of Leadership and Success Excellence in Teaching Award. She has authored numerous book chapters and journal articles in the areas of college student alcohol consumption and campus sexual assault.
Ward holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and communication from Juniata College and both a master’s and PhD in experimental psychology from the University of Rhode Island.
About UC's Graduate School
The University of Cincinnati Graduate School cultivates the leaders of tomorrow. From groundbreaking research to innovative professional pursuits, we invest in our students and challenge the intellectually curious to pursue what’s Next– in their profession, discipline, and in society at large. The Graduate School administers 350+ graduate degree and certificate programs and serves more than 11,000 graduate students from across the globe.
Tags
- College-Conservatory of Music
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Medicine
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services
- UC Online
- Faculty Staff
- College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
- Graduate College
- College of Law
- College of Nursing
- Lindner College of Business
- Provost
- College of Engineering and Applied Science
Related Stories
Hoxworth, FC Cincinnati celebrate life-saving donors with exclusive May giveaway
April 27, 2026
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is asking donors to score big for their community this May with an exclusive 40 oz. FC Cincinnati–themed tumbler available to donors at the seven neighborhood donor centers and select mobile drives while supplies last.
Meet the startup ventures elevating Cincinnati’s scene
April 27, 2026
Cincinnati startup founders pitched concepts ranging from car accident prevention tools to robotics for manufacturing facilities during Venture Lab Demo Day at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub.
Lindner faculty, staff recognized for excellence at awards ceremony
April 27, 2026
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business honored exemplary faculty and staff who received college- and university-level accolades on April 20 at Lindner Hall. Retirees were also recognized.