Trinity Medical Sciences University has appointed Dr. Ward Ulmer as its President, marking a significant leadership transition for the institution. Dr. Ulmer brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, having previously served as Co-President for Academics at West Coast University and President of Walden University, an online institution catering to adult learners. His background also includes leadership roles at Latimer Education and Strayer University, where he held positions such as Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice Provost.
Dr. Ulmer's educational credentials include a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Master's in Computer Resources and Information Management, and two PhDs – one in Higher Education Leadership from Clemson University and another in Applied Management and Decision Sciences from Walden University. His firsthand experience as a working professional, husband, and father has given him a unique understanding of the challenges adult learners face in pursuing advanced degrees, which could influence how institutions design programs for working professionals.
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Ulmer has contributed significantly to the higher education field through publications, presentations, and guest podcast interviews on topics such as preparing for an encore career, leadership in a global workforce, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. These areas directly intersect with human resources and talent management concerns, making his perspectives valuable for HR vendors who serve organizations navigating these workforce challenges. He also serves as a site visitor team member for accrediting bodies like the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), giving him insight into educational quality standards that affect workforce readiness.
Trinity's outgoing President, Steven Wilson, expressed confidence in Dr. Ulmer's ability to lead the institution with 'integrity, ingenuity, and a steadfast commitment to our mission.' Wilson, who will continue to serve as CEO, acknowledged the bittersweet feeling of relinquishing his role but welcomed the 'new possibilities for our students' that Dr. Ulmer's visionary leadership promises to bring. The Trinity Medical Sciences University community is excited to welcome Dr. Ulmer and support his commitment to advancing medical education.
For HR vendors serving the healthcare and education sectors, this leadership appointment signals potential shifts in how medical education institutions approach workforce development. Dr. Ulmer's background in online education and adult learning could influence Trinity's program delivery methods, potentially creating new opportunities for vendors offering learning management systems, talent development platforms, and educational technology solutions. His expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives may also drive institutional policies that affect how healthcare organizations recruit and retain diverse talent, creating demand for related HR products and services. As medical education evolves under this new leadership, HR vendors should monitor how these changes affect the talent pipeline and workforce development strategies in the healthcare industry.
