University of Cincinnati names graduate school dean

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.

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.