Maureen Ward

Maureen Ward, MSW, LICSW, is passionate about preparing the next generation of social workers and advancing opportunities for students to develop into skilled, ethical, and compassionate practitioners. Her commitment to the profession is deeply rooted in her family's story. As the daughter of an Irish immigrant mother and a first-generation American father, she grew up with a deep appreciation for resilience, hard work, community, and the transformative power of education. These values continue to shape her approach to social work and her belief that education creates pathways for individuals, families, and communities to thrive. Ms. Ward is especially committed to helping students connect social work values with meaningful practice and leadership in a rapidly evolving human services landscape. With more than 25 years of experience in social work practice, higher education, and nonprofit leadership, Ms. Ward brings expertise in children, youth, and families, nonprofit leadership and management, behavioral health, and clinical social work practice. Her career has spanned direct service, program development, administration, and social work education, providing her with a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the profession. She serves as Director of Practicum Education and Adjunct Faculty in the School of Social Work at Bridgewater State University and is an appointed member of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Council on Field Education, where she collaborates with colleagues nationwide to strengthen practicum education and prepare future generations of social workers. Ms. Ward earned her Master of Social Work degree from Boston College with a concentration in Children, Adolescents, and Families and was awarded the Excellence in Field Instruction Award by the Boston University School of Social Work in recognition of her contributions to social work education and student development.