Charlotte high school gym will be named for principal who died
Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ board voted unanimously Tuesday night to name the gymnasium at Harding University High School the “Dr. Eric T. Ward, Sr. Athletic Center”, in honor of the school’s former principal who died in September.
District officials and colleagues of Ward say he was a dedicated educator who saw potential in all of his students, and made it his mission to “change the image at Harding” by working with school staff and the community.
“Dr. Ward’s commitment was unparalleled, and he was a fearless leader who will be greatly missed,” Acquanetta Edmond, the superintendent of the Northwest Learning Community, wrote in a letter endorsing the change. “His impact in the schools and the community was beyond the schoolhouse.”
Ward was 46, and the cause of his death has not been shared publicly. School leaders, colleagues and former students remembered Ward for his sense of humor, leadership and being what many have called a “talented educator.”
“Dr. Ward’s goals were to bring Harding University to prominent status and instilling ‘Ram Pride,’” Edmond wrote. “He exemplified that pride by not only from his interactions with alumni, staff, and students but for his care for the facility, using his talents to beautify the campus.”
Ward’s 25-year tenure in CMS included time as principal at Wilson Middle School, West Mecklenburg High School and Olympic High’s Technology, Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing School and Harding.
Ward was born in Whiteville and graduated from West Columbus High School in 1993, where he was a standout in track and field. He earned a track and field scholarship to the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
After graduating with his degree, Ward taught math and was a track and field coach at Independence High School. During his tenure as a coach, he led teams to several team and individual 4-A championships. Ward earned a master’s degree from Gardner Webb University in 2004. He earned a doctorate degree from Wingate University in 2020.
According to his bio, Ward’s greatest accomplishment was his family — his wife, Sophia, daughter Kabrea, and son Eric Jr.
This story was originally published November 9, 2021 at 1:40 PM.
