William B. Ware, professor of educational psychology and professor of social work, has been named the inaugural recipient of the McMichael Term Professorship.
The McMichael Professorship is intended to recognize and support the teaching and research of a deserving member of the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Education. The recipient receives a stipend during each year he or she holds the professorship. The professorship carries a two-year term.
Ware, who teaches courses in applied statistics, joined the School of Education in 1978.
“I couldn’t think of a better person to be the inaugural recipient of this professorship,” said Bill McDiarmid, dean of the School of Education. “Through his teaching and research, Bill has touched the lives of hundreds of people across the Carolina campus, the state and the nation. Bill works tirelessly to make certain that students in his courses have a deep understanding of what many find a challenging subject. He embodies the belief that relationships are the foundation of teaching.”
The professorship is funded by an endowment established by the McMichael Family Foundation, which was created from the trust of Rockingham County businessman Dalton L. McMichael, Sr. McMichael, who died in 2001, had a 60-year career as a textile industry entrepreneur and was a longtime supporter of education, including service on the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees. Since his death, the foundation has been run by McMichael’s children.
“We are most grateful for the generosity of the McMichael family,” said Wendy Gratz Borman, assistant dean of external relations for the School of Education. “This professorship was made possible because of the vision and commitment McMichael’s daughter, Louise “Lou” Miracle, had to education. Lou described her ideal candidate for the McMichael Professorship as someone who is forward thinking, progressive and exciting – someone who can inspire young people. Bill Ware epitomizes her wishes.”
Miracle, who passed away in 2008, was a 1972 graduate of the School of Education’s elementary education program.
In addition to teaching, Ware regularly serves as the statistical “expert” in the planning, implementing, analysis and communication of research projects conducted with faculty collaborators. He has worked with scholars in school counseling, school psychology, early childhood education, special education, public health and social work.
His work has been honored many times. The North Carolina Association for Research in Education gave him its Distinguished Service to the Organization Award in 2007 and its Distinguished Paper Award in 2001 and 1997. He was invited to join the UNC-Chapel Hill’s Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars in 2000.
Ware received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and mathematics from Dartmouth College and master’s and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University, with a Ph.D. in educational psychology.
He lives in Chapel Hill with his wife, Barbara.