Dr. Shelia Ward has played a transformative role at Norfolk State University (NSU) through her extensive efforts in health initiatives, benefiting students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. With a diverse educational background in exercise physiology, epidemiology/public health, and dance, Dr. Ward has leveraged her expertise to advance the concept of "Health Empowerment through Cultural Awareness." This guiding principle informs her scholarly pursuits, which include research and activities aimed at chronic disease prevention and management, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and the utilization of African Diaspora dance for promoting health and wellness.
Since joining NSU in 1995, Dr. Ward has held multiple key roles within the institution. She serves as a professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science, where she imparts her knowledge and experience to students. Additionally, she chairs the Education and Clinical Experience for the Kinesiotherapy Program, overseeing the development of future health professionals. Her leadership extends to the NSU Health and Wellness Initiative for Women, where she directs efforts to enhance the health and well-being of women within the university community.
Dr. Ward's influence transcends academia through her involvement in various prestigious organizations and roles. She is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, highlighting her recognition within the field of sports and exercise science. Beyond this, Dr. Ward is deeply immersed in the arts community, serving as a Virginia Commission for the Arts Teaching Dance Artist and co-director of the Eleone Dance Theatre of Philadelphia. Her commitment to arts education extends to her role as a consultant for the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts, underscoring her dedication to integrating cultural arts into health and wellness practices.
In addition to her academic and artistic contributions, Dr. Ward has been instrumental in securing grants to fund impactful initiatives at NSU. Notably, she received grants from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for High Impact HIV Prevention and the NSU project ECHO, aimed at reducing campus sexual and domestic violence. These initiatives have not only provided critical funding but also facilitated collaborative efforts across Virginia's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to address pressing public health issues.
One of Dr. Ward's recent endeavors, VAX Facts by Us 4 Us, exemplifies her proactive approach to community health. This project focuses on combating vaccine hesitancy within Black communities through community-driven messaging and research. As part of this effort, Dr. Ward launched the 2023 NSU Health and Wellbeing Survey, gathering data from 900 undergraduate students on topics such as sexual health, substance abuse, and overall wellness. This data will inform targeted health programming and policy development tailored to the NSU community's specific needs.
Beyond her grant-funded projects, Dr. Ward continues to champion health education through initiatives like the Student Health Ambassadors program. This program trains students from diverse majors to serve as ambassadors for health education and promotion on campus. Their activities encompass a wide range of topics, including chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS education and prevention, and strategies to combat sexual violence, all underscored by the integration of cultural arts as a means of fostering holistic well-being.
Dr. Ward's multifaceted approach to health and wellness, blending academic rigor with community engagement and cultural sensitivity, underscores her significant impact at Norfolk State University and beyond. Her commitment to empowering individuals through health education and promoting wellness initiatives that embrace cultural diversity reflects a deep-seated dedication to enhancing the lives of those she serves.
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