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.