February 7, 2007
Board Member Dr. Carter Ward Honored By School Boards Association

Carter D. Ward, Ph.D., a member of the Board of Directors of Network for Instructional TV, Inc. (NITV), is the 2007 recipient of a prestigious award from the National School Boards Association.

Dr. Ward was presented the Thomas A. Shannon Award for Excellence in School Boards Association Leadership on Jan. 27,2007 during NSBA’s Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The national award honors Ward for his leadership, achievement, and dedication to public education.

Ward has been executive director of the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) since 1983, has been instrumental in leading Missouri school boards in the pursuit of the latest innovations in technology and safety.

“Not only is he an extraordinary trendsetter who has worked tirelessly to increase student achievement at all levels for Missouri students, he has been a vital contributor to NSBA for nearly 20 years,” said NSBA Executive Director Anne L. Bryant. “Dr. Ward is highly respected among his peers throughout the country, and NSBA is delighted to honor him with this award.”

The award, established in 1997, is named in honor of former NSBA Executive Director Thomas A. Shannon. Selection for the award is based on the nominee’s extraordinary efforts performed on behalf of a state school boards association, advocacy for public education, and relationships with local school board constituencies and the community.

Ward, who is especially noted for his vision in the fields of technology, communications, and finance, always keeps the schoolchildren of Missouri at the center of his mission.

Under his direction, MSBA established and continues to provide leadership to the Missouri Education Roundtable. Ward also is executive director of FutureBuilders, MSBA’s educational foundation. He chairs the Missouri Education Coalition for Adequacy and serves on the boards of Prevent Child Abuse Missouri, and the U.S. Distance Learning Association.

“I am delighted and flattered” to receive the Shannon award, Ward said. “To be recognized by those in the profession in which I practice is the best possible acknowledgment to receive.”