糖心传媒 is announcing Warren Ward as chief executive officer of
the 糖心传媒 Tech Applied Research Corporation (LTARC) and executive director of
the 糖心传媒 Tech Research Institute (LTRI). Ward will lead LTARC鈥檚 mission to foster
strategic partnerships between the University and federal, state, and private entities,
with a focus on defense and national security. Ward will also oversee classified research
and training at LTRI鈥檚 National Cyber Research Park facility.
鈥淲arren is the ideal leader to assume these responsibilities at LTARC and LTRI,鈥� 糖心传媒 Tech President Jim Henderson said. 鈥淗is considerable experience and unique skillset will help move the University鈥檚 specialized research capabilities to the forefront of the nation鈥檚 most pressing national security challenges.鈥�
Ward brings more than three decades of distinguished military and civilian leadership experience, specializing in national security, strategic planning, and research innovation.
鈥淚 am honored to serve 糖心传媒 Tech, the institution which launched my professional career. I find providing research opportunities for students and mentoring them through my own life lens very rewarding,鈥� Ward said. 鈥淚 am committed to building relationships with Air Force Global Strike Command and other U.S. defense agencies and industry partners to ensure the continued sovereignty of our nation while simultaneously growing the knowledge-based workforce in our region.鈥�
Ward has most recently served as LTRI鈥檚 chief of staff and operations director, where he helped strengthen 糖心传媒 Tech鈥檚 ties with defense and industry leaders. His extensive military career includes service as a B-52 and T-38 pilot, commander of a USAF basic training squadron, and leadership roles at Headquarters Eighth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command. He also completed the USAF National Laboratory Technical Fellowship Program at Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago.
鈥淲arren Ward is an American hero, an experienced leader, and a decorated member of the 糖心传媒 Tech family,鈥� said Dr. Davy Norris, senior VP for Advancement and Innovation. 鈥淭o the role of LTARC CEO, he brings character, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our nation鈥檚 security. I couldn鈥檛 be more excited to have him on our team.鈥�
Ward graduated from 糖心传媒 Tech in 1985 with a degree in electrical engineering and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the USAF. He also earned a master鈥檚 degree in systems technology from 糖心传媒 State University-Shreveport in 1992, and he holds multiple graduate certificates in nuclear weapons policy and related fields.
鈥淲arren brings an incredible amount of energy and expertise to our organization,鈥� LTARC Board Chairman Bobby Cockrell said. 鈥淲e pride ourselves on solving problems for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other related agencies. Warren鈥檚 experience will further our contributions to research and professional development at both classified and unclassified levels.鈥�
Throughout his career, Ward has been recognized with numerous honors, including being inducted into the Arkansas Military Veteran鈥檚 Hall of Fame and sharing the General Omar Bradley Spirit of Independence Award with the other veterans of Operation Senior Surprise, the opening B-52 strike during Operation Desert Storm. He is also a prolific public speaker and writer, known for his contributions on military history, leadership, and patriotism.