Louisiana Tech University is announcing Warren Ward as chief executive officer of the Louisiana Tech Applied Research Corporation (LTARC) and executive director of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI). Ward will lead LTARC’s mission to foster strategic partnerships between the University and federal, state, and private entities, with a focus on defense and national security. Ward will also oversee classified research and training at LTRI’s National Cyber Research Park facility.
“Warren is the ideal leader to assume these responsibilities at LTARC and LTRI,” Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson said. “His considerable experience and unique skillset will help move the University’s specialized research capabilities to the forefront of the nation’s most pressing national security challenges.”
Ward brings more than three decades of distinguished military and civilian leadership experience, specializing in national security, strategic planning, and research innovation.
“I am honored to serve Louisiana Tech, the institution which launched my professional career. I find providing research opportunities for students and mentoring them through my own life lens very rewarding,” Ward said. “I am committed to building relationships with Air Force Global Strike Command and other U.S. defense agencies and industry partners to ensure the continued sovereignty of our nation while simultaneously growing the knowledge-based workforce in our region.”
Ward has most recently served as LTRI’s chief of staff and operations director, where he helped strengthen Louisiana Tech’s ties with defense and industry leaders. His extensive military career includes service as a B-52 and T-38 pilot, commander of a USAF basic training squadron, and leadership roles at Headquarters Eighth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command. He also completed the USAF National Laboratory Technical Fellowship Program at Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago.
“Warren Ward is an American hero, an experienced leader, and a decorated member of the Louisiana Tech family,” said Dr. Davy Norris, senior VP for Advancement and Innovation. “To the role of LTARC CEO, he brings character, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our nation’s security. I couldn’t be more excited to have him on our team.”
Ward graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1985 with a degree in electrical engineering and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the USAF. He also earned a master’s degree in systems technology from Louisiana State University-Shreveport in 1992, and he holds multiple graduate certificates in nuclear weapons policy and related fields.
“Warren brings an incredible amount of energy and expertise to our organization,” LTARC Board Chairman Bobby Cockrell said. “We pride ourselves on solving problems for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other related agencies. Warren’s experience will further our contributions to research and professional development at both classified and unclassified levels.” Throughout his career, Ward has been recognized with numerous honors, including being inducted into the Arkansas Military Veteran’s Hall of Fame and sharing the General Omar Bradley Spirit of Independence Award with the other veterans of Operation Senior Surprise, the opening B-52 strike during Operation Desert Storm. He is also a prolific public speaker and writer, known for his contributions on military history, leadership, and patriotism.