Dr. Dianne S. Ward was the Director of the Community Health & Wellness Resource Team, formerly known as the Children’s Healthy Weight Research Group, and a professor in the UNC Gillings School’s Department of Nutrition.  

Dr. Ward exhibited a passion for promoting the health and welfare of young children and their caregivers, as well as a special commitment to creating pathways for students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of public health and early care and education.  

To honor her legacy, Dr. Ward’s colleagues, friends, and family have established the Ward Memorial Fund. This fund supports project and professional development opportunities for early care and education professionals, students, and researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds including first-generation students. Rooted in the empowerment of aspiring researchers and early care and education professionals who share a commitment to nurturing and enriching young minds, the Ward Memorial Fund exemplifies Dr. Ward’s visionary spirit. Contributions will not only bolster a summer internship program initiated by Dr. Ward and our team in 2023 but will also provide crucial financial support and well-deserved recognition to individuals pursuing education and training within the area of early childhood education. 

Learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. Ward here.