A former Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Development at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI), Etta Ward led research development programs and operations for over 22 years. Ward’s primary role was to advance the IUI research mission through faculty research and professional development.
Ward continues to promote effective mentoring as a strategy for personal and professional success, a focus that has been central to many efforts and has grown well beyond academia.
As a Certified Facilitator and designated Principal Facilitator of CIMER curriculum, Ward has built a body of work around effective mentorship that prioritizes belonging, wellbeing, and psychological safety. She promotes competency-based and culturally aware mentoring strategies that bolster inclusive mentoring cultures. This specific focus served as the impetus for her participation in the 2018 IEA Fulbright program to France and Belgium. Ward views this work as her professional calling, with potential to impact mentoring generations into the future. She values opportunities to pay it forward by sharing her insights and passion with diverse audiences from all career stages, disciplines, and professions.
Ward departed Indiana University Indianapolis in early 2024 to pursue her own venture, Full Circle Consulting, LLC.