Dr. Anitra J. Ward
Higher Ed and Technology Consultant
Chicago, Illinois
Biographical Sketch of Dr. Anitra J. Ward
Currently a higher education and technology consultant, Dr. Anitra J. Ward is the former
Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at Chicago State University (CSU). In service to CSU,
Dr. Ward has held the following positions of Assistant Provost of Resource Development,
Interim Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Services and Assistant Dean of the
Graduate School. In addition to her administrative duties, Dr. Ward held an instructor
appointment with both the Department of Criminal Justice and the Department of Educational
Leadership, Curriculum and Foundations. As the Executive Director of the CSU Leadership and
Policy Institute, she also added to the research capacity by enhancing the university's role in
public service and knowledge transfer including the development of a community-based
research centre and a Center for Data Management and Instructional Technology Services for
faculty development.
In the last four years, Dr. Ward received over $2.3 million dollars in competitive grants and
awards. Many of her projects continue to receive funding, including the African American Male
Achievement Center funded under a FY08 Predominantly Black Institutions Program (PBI)
grant. On assignment for the university president, between 2006-2008 she spearheaded the
feasibility study for the planning of the Chicago State University Westside Satellite Campus and
chaired the 30-member Westside Planning and Advisory Committee comprised of community
and political leaders, and university faculty and staff. For FY10, the University is slated to
receive an Illinois General Assembly appropriation of $40 million dollar. Prior to joining Chicago
State in 1995, she held administrative positions with the City Colleges of Chicago in student
services, administration, and instructional services. Dr. Ward has received numerous service
awards and fellowships for her university, public and community service, including the NAFEO
Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Kellogg Leadership Fellowship and the Illinois Lincoln
Excellence in Public Service Series. She is currently a member of the executive committee of
the board of directors for the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Program.
Dr. Ward holds the baccalaureate degree in corrections and criminal justice and the master’s
degree in criminal justice from Chicago State University and the doctorate from Northern Illinois
University.