Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools issued the following announcement on Sept. 30.
Dr. Eric Ward, principal at Harding University High since 2015, died Sept. 22. Students and colleagues will remember him for his student-centered approach to learning and passion to improve student outcomes.
"The passing of Dr. Eric Ward saddens me, but I share the fondest of memories of him and his contributions to Harding University High school and the CMS family. We lost a great leader and person, but his legacy lives on in the staff he led, and students and alumni whose lives he influenced during his nearly 25-year career in the district. His students, colleagues and school partners revered him," said Superintendent Earnest Winston.
Dr. Ward, a native of Whiteville, graduated from West Columbus High in 1993, where he was a standout in track and field. He was a bright, well-rounded student whose athletic accomplishments led to a track and field scholarship at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Ward also performed well academically. As an undergraduate, he studied mathematics and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics in 1997.
He loved learning and became an educator in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Dr. Ward's career began as a mathematics teacher at Independence High, where he also coached track and field. During his tenure, the student-athletes won two team and 17 individual 4A championships.
In 2005, Dr. Ward became an assistant principal at West Mecklenburg High. He also served as principal at Wilson Middle from 2008 to 2011 and West Mecklenburg from 2011 to 2014. In 2014, he led the Technology, Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing School at Olympic High. He joined Harding University High as the principal in 2015.
Dr. Ward's students and staff will not forget his traditional holiday suit, which he wore with style and confidence. It was his desire to bring cheer and joy to those around him.
Dr. Ward earned a master's degree in secondary school administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2004. He also earned a specialist degree in educational leadership in 2016 and a doctoral degree in educational leadership in 2020, both from Wingate University.
Original source can be found here.
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