Dr. James L. Ward was named the Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Law Enforcement Training Center in June of 2014. Prior to his selection, Dr. Ward served as the Division Chief for the Academic Division where he served as a member of the senior management team at the LETC and was involved in all aspects, to include: personnel matters, budget/fiscal matters, marketing efforts, and curriculum development spanning all programs offered at the Training Center. Dr. Ward also provided direct oversight, management and curriculum development for, but not limited to, the VA Basic Police Officer Course, the USAF Basic Police Officer and the Instructor Development Course. All three have received their accreditation through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA). Dr. Ward joined the staff of Department of Veterans Affairs Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) in June of 2003 as a Special Agent from the Arkansas State Police.
Dr. Ward served on active duty with the United States Army. During active duty, Dr. Ward commanded an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. His tours of duty include Fort Knox, KY, Fort Polk, LA, and Bindlach, Germany.
Dr. Ward has 22 years of law enforcement experience. While serving with the Arkansas State Police, Dr. Ward had assignments with the Highway Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, SWAT, and Internal Affairs. He is a graduate of the Criminal Justice Institute School of Law Enforcement Supervision. In 2002, Dr. Ward was awarded the Trooper’s Cross Award for Bravery and Valor (2nd Highest Award in the Arkansas State Police). Dr. Ward has served on numerous boards and committees, including: Member of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) Senior Institute Advisory Board, Arkansas State Police (ASP) Racial Profiling Committee, and Arkansas State Police (ASP) Catastrophic Leave Committee.
Dr. Ward received an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement in December of 1996, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in December of 1997, and a Master’s in Public Administration in December 2002, all from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). Dr. Ward also received his Juris Doctorate Degree in May of 2002 from the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, and is a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas. Dr. Ward operates and practices in his own law firm in Little Rock and is permitted to practice in the United States Eastern and Western District Court of Arkansas. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at UALR and was awarded the 2007 Community Faculty Member of the Year for the College of Professional Studies.