Ward Ulmer

Background

About Ward Ulmer

The thrill and sheer joy of Graduation Day hits me every single time – and during my time as a university president, faculty member, student, father, son, and husband I’ve been to dozens of what I believe are the ultimate celebrations of determination and accomplishment. There is nothing quite like it. And even after 25 years of serving as a leader in higher education I am always grateful to be part of these very special moments with students and their loved ones. I am blessed to share my passion for student success and academic excellence in my role as President of Trinity Medical Sciences University. Here I am part of a medical university that is a hidden gem of excellence, where academic quality and student experience have resulted in 95% placement for graduates. Students who dream of becoming a doctor know GPA and MCAT scores are important qualifiers for medical school. But here at Trinity, we look for more. We want qualified, well-rounded students who may not fit the traditional mold of a pre-med student because we know it is their unique and diverse experiences that will make them exceptional doctors. I know a thing or two about the non-traditional academic and professional journey. I needed more than four years (it was ten mostly full-time years) to complete my undergrad degree. I earned two PhDs as a working professional, husband and father: a PhD in Higher Education Leadership from Clemson University and a PhD in Applied Management and Decision Sciences from Walden University. So, I know first-hand the challenges adult learners face in pursuing an advanced degree. These experiences prepared me for success in focusing on the two most important challenges facing leaders in higher education: academic excellence and student outcomes. My ability to meet these challenges - when I was Co-president at West Coast University, President of Walden University, or serving as a chief learning officer, a chief academic officer, an associate dean or a faculty member – always depended on collaboration with faculty and the entire university community. Throughout my career, I have been a tireless champion of expanding access to higher education, and to fostering a culture that nurtures diversity, equity and inclusion. During my own personal journey as a student, I needed expanded access. So I am paying it forward. As a man with a deep commitment to faith and family, I believe we all have the power to influence positive change, the will to make it so, and the grace to be humbled by what we can achieve together. We have much to learn from each other.