Advancement vp leaving to head private Swalm Foundation

Mississippi State's vice president for institutional advancement will leave the university this summer after 21 years to head the private Swalm Foundation in Houston, Texas.

Ward

Billy C. Ward has been the institution's chief development officer since 1987 and played a key role in MSU's first comprehensive major gifts campaign, which ended last summer with commitments of more than $143 million.

New university President Malcolm Portera said he asked Ward to stay on. "After I was selected last October to become president of Mississippi State, Billy Ward was the first person I asked to be a part of this team," Portera said. "His judgment, his integrity, and his commitment to excellence have been important factors in the university's success in recent years, and I quickly have come to rely on his advice and counsel."

Ward was one of three finalists for the MSU presidency last fall. He said his planned departure is not related to the outcome of that search.

"I looked forward to working with Dr. Portera," Ward said. "I think he will provide excellent leadership."

Ward came to Mississippi State in 1977 as a founding member of the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty. He was dean of the college 1983-87.

He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of California at Davis.