Meet Christopher J. Ward, Ph.D. candidate
Ward is a Ph.D. candidate and adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work. His research interest focuses on the distribution and access of health care infrastructure from a perspective committed to social justice. Specifically, his dissertation, “A Collective Case Study Analysis of Nursing Home Certificate of Need (CON) Decision Making,” explores how Certificate of Need programs make decisions concerning skilled nursing facilities. CON is a state-level health care policy that provides the planning and regulatory oversight for the development of a state’s health care infrastructure. Interstate program differences present challenges for researchers who explore the impact and effectiveness both between states with CON and those without.
Ward teaches in the VCU School of Social Work B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs, including hybrid distance education courses. His teaching is centered at the intersection of sound pedagogy supported by the literature, working collaboratively with colleagues to develop strong curriculum and providing opportunities for improvement building upon the unique strengths of every student. These teaching experiences expanded Ward’s interests which have developed research veins in 1) the decision-making process selecting appropriate tools for the online learning environment, 2) the acquisition and retention of research method knowledge by social work students, and 3) the strengths and challenges of macro social work education.
Categories Faculty and staff, Students