Dr. Ward started teaching at PLNU in 2008. She also served as the Intramural Director from 2012-2022, which provides activities, sports and leagues for over 500 students each semester. In the Kinesiology Department she introduces all of our incoming students to future healthcare professions in Orientation to Kinesiology (KIN1001). Her research interests include perceptions of wellness, the promotion of health and wellness, exercise motivation, the impact of health and wellness courses on lifestyle choices, high intensity interval training, and the "why" behind the many choices we make. Dr. Ward blends theories from preventive and integrative practices, lifestyle medicine and health and wellness coaching into her teaching and is a national board certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC). Prior to becoming a faculty member at PLNU she taught at an international school in Kampala, Uganda for 1 school year, where she continued to develop her passion for international cultures. She then taught at a K-8 school while completing her graduate work. She and her husband are active in their community and at Ebenezer Church in Linda Vista. They have 2 biological children and are a foster family.
Education
- Ph.D. Health Science, Specialty Track--Health Promotion & Wellness, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
- M.A. Kinesiology, Field of Interest--Sports Psychology & Sports Administration, California State University, Fresno
- B.A. Physical Education, Field of Interest--Teaching & Coaching, Point Loma Nazarene University
Courses Taught
- Lifestyle as Medicine - KIN 2030
- Orientation to Kinesiology – KIN 1001
- History & Trends – KIN 3030
- Team Sports Fundamentals and Strategies – KIN 2020
- Optimal Health – KIN 2000
- Weight Lifting – KIN 1055
- Fitness Through Movement – KIN 1000
- Circuit Training with Weights – KIN1002
- High Intensity Functional Training - KIN 1001
- Lifestyle Medicine and Integrative Health – KIN 6017
Experience in Field
- Student Advising:
- Exploring Wellness for Assessment and Intervention in College Students
- The Role of the Healthcare Practitioner in Promotion of Physical Activity
- A Comparison of High-Intensity Interval and Moderate Intensity Continuous Training on Glucose Monitoring in Sedentary, Obese Individuals.
- The Wear Justice Movement: An Autoethnographic Study.
- Tackling Cerebral Palsy Through Evidence Based Rehabilitation: A Cadaveric Study.
- Optimizing Hip Function in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers Through Pilates Training.
- Essential Epidemiological Tools for Public Health Practice. John Hopkins University. Spring 2020
- Health and physical education teacher in East Africa (Kampala, Uganda)
- Graduate studies focused on using the Millenium Development Goals to teach citizenship to youth soccer players
- Coached various teams from elementary school-aged children through college men and women in soccer, volleyball, softball, swimming, and track & field.
- Hopes to teach her students how to be the best version of themselves and how to live the best quality of life possible.
- FIFA-certified soccer referee, 2000 – 2004 (high school and men's league soccer games)
Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications
- Ward A, Marinaro L, Nokes R, Erickson H, Kahanov L, Martin M. How traditional undergraduate college students define and perceive wellness: a qualitative phenomenological study. J Am Coll Health. 2024. DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2299431.
- Ward A, Stedge H, Tischler D. Students' experience of a college wellness course. Health Educ J. 2022:1-11. doi:10.1177/00178969221092732
- Virtual eLearning Summit 2021: “Developing knowledge & understanding of diverse perspectives, global awareness, or other cultures as future healthcare providers.” Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, March 19, 2021
- Faculty Development Using Zoom for Teaching & Learning Webinar Series: “Best practices of Zoom, Zoom polling, breakout rooms, and the opening slide.” Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, January 22, 2021
- Ward, A. (2020). Perceptions of a College Health and Wellness Course: Impact on Lifestyle Choices. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Scholarship Symposium.
- Ward, A. (2020). Student Perceptions of a Long-Term Impact of an Undergraduate College Health and Wellness Course: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study. American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Lifestyle Medicine: Health Restored.
- Point Loma Well @ Home Event: “Core & Stretch Faculty & Staff Session.” Point Loma Nazarene University, April 29, 2020
- Take 30! “Fun & Creative Physical Movement Activities Faculty & Staff Session.” Point Loma Nazarene University, April 22, 2020
- Boon [Ward], A. & Gilbert, W. (2010). Using the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals to Teach Citizenship in Youth Soccer, Journal of Coaching Education 3(3), 37-55.
