Will Ward
Assistant Professor
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Biography
John “Will” Ward, PhD, LCSW, MDiv, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Belmont University. Before joining Belmont, he worked primarily in school social work but also has experience in congregational work, providing in-home therapy to children in foster care, health care, and private practice. Dr. Ward is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas specializing in working with children, adolescents, and their families as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. He also provides clinical supervision to those pursing their LCSW licensure. He earned his Ph.D. in social work from Baylor University (2024), his MSW from the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work and his M.Div. from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, both at Baylor (2016) and completed his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries at Williams Baptist College (now University) (2012). Dr. Ward is also an ordained minister in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
At Belmont, Dr. Ward teaches courses in both the BSW and MSW program including Human Behavior and the Social Environment and Crisis Intervention. His research interests include the religious and spiritual lives of LGBTQ folks, play therapy, and child and adolescent mental health, including evidence-based practices for working with children who have experienced trauma. Dr. Ward has additional training in play therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). He has presented at national conferences including the Council on Social Work Education’s Annual Program Meeting.
Dr. Ward was recognized for Excellence in Teaching twice by the Baylor Graduate School. He also was named Social Work Supervisor of the Year by Baylor’s Garland School of Social Work in 2024.
LGBTQ+ religion and spirituality, play therapy, child and adolescent mental health, inclusive practices in churches.
Recognition for Excellence in Teaching – Baylor Graduate School (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024); Baylor Social Work Supervisor of the Year (2024); Dan Homeyer Play Therapy Research Award (Texas Association for Play Therapy) (2024)
Ward, J. W., Wilson Harper, A., & Schade, L. D. (2025). “Preaching on LGBTQ+ Topics and receiving threats of violence: An exploration of associations.” Pastoral Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-025-01209-3.
Ward, J. W. & Drumm, R. (2025). “An ethical guide to working with LGBTQ folks for Christian social workers.” Christianity and Social Work. Edited by T. Laine Scales and Regina Chow Trammell. NACSW Press.
Timbers, V., Ward, W., & Ballard, S. (2024). Grassroots activism impacting rural LGBTQIA+ communities: Implications for social work. Advances in Social Work, 24 (1),
pp. 220-232. https://doi.org/10.18060/26373
Ward, J. W. & Gregory Jones, J. (2022). A congregational social worker’s role in benevolence ministry: A case study of five models. Social Work and Christianity, 49(3), pp. 270–280. https://doi.org/10.34043/swc.v49i3.298
Timbers, V., Richmond-Moore, K. E., Ward, J. W., Breaux, H., Swafford, T. R. (October 2024). “Affirming supervision practices: Supporting LGBTQIA+ social workers in practicum and toward clinical licensure.” Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting.
Ward, J. W. (October 12, 2024). “Lessons from pastoral care to LGBTQ+ youth.” North American Association of Christians in Social Work Annual Convention.
Ward, J. W., & Deal, H. (October 23, 2023). “Culture wars in social work classrooms and beyond: How should social work educators respond?” Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting.
Ward, J. W., Goertzen, G., & McMullen, E. (2023). “Congregational social work internships: A panel of three past interns.” North American Association of Christians in Social Work Convention.
Bond, A., Deal, H., & Ward, J. W. (2023). “Promoting sustainability in social work: Perspectives of dual educators/students.” North American Association of Christians in Social Work Convention.
Ward, J. W., & Deal, H. (2023). “Minority stress theory and applications to spirituality in LGBTQ people.” North American Association of Christians in Social Work Convention.