Meet Matthew Ward: New director for Housing and Residential Life

Matthew R. Ward is Nazareth College’s new director for Housing and Residential Life.

Ward comes to Nazareth from Gannon University in Erie, Pa., where he was the Associate Director of Business Operations in Residence Life. He comes with experience managing the student housing selection and placement process, managing residence halls, and overseeing resident assistants. He values collaboration on all levels and has served as a resident director and area coordinator prior to making the shift into residence life operations.

Learn a bit more about him with these 10 questions:

What's one thing about you that surprises people?

Though I was an athlete and love sports (Go Bills!), I’m a huge nerd. I love video games, Star Wars and most things about geek and nerd culture. I have been to Chicago, Dallas and New York Comic Cons.  

What's one thing you're excited about that's coming up in 2018?

Honestly I’m excited to learn as much information about Nazareth as I can. I was at my previous institution for 14 years so I’m, excited to meet some new people and learn the culture at Nazareth.

What is your most-used emoji?

I’m a fan of the winking emoji but the laughing and crying is a close runner up!

If you could win an Olympic medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be?

I have been interested in the sport of ice hockey for a few years now, so being the star center of a gold medal hockey team would be cool.

What movie or TV show title best describes your week?

Gone In 60 Seconds

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

“Live like no one else, so that later you can live and give like no one else” — Dave Ramsey

Where is your happy place?

At home in my man cave watching sports or playing video games with my wife and/or friends.

What's the best Halloween costume you've ever had?

I once dressed as a Ghostbuster...I miss that proton pack.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

READ...I would probably read a lot more books than I do currently. There is so much to learn and not enough time.

What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?

I have had alligator in New Orleans… I’m not an exotic person but this was a treat.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2018 September
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