Millennium Magazine_3rdEd

28 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine I nitially aspiring to go into accounting as an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Sheila D. Ards discovered her affinity for public policy while taking a summer program at Carnegie Mellon University. Offering her a full scholarship to earn a doctorate degree, the university’s School of Urban and Public Affairs hosted Dr. Ards until she completed her dissertation on child abuse and neglect in 1990. In addition, she wrote a second paper on destitute communities and methods to rebuild them. Commencing her professional career as an educator for the University of Maryland, Dr. Ards soon transitioned to the University of Minnesota for four years before accepting a role at Benedict College in South Carolina. Upon acceptance of this appointment, the University of Minnesota recruited Dr. Ards to return to the university as associate vice president of community engagement, where she remained until her retirement. Since the inception of her career, she has focused her efforts on ensuring an inclusive environment for minorities. She has additionally developed professional relationships with myriad individuals and sat on numerous boards. To remain abreast of developments in the field, Dr. Ards maintains affiliation with the American Political Science Association and the National Economic Association, both of which she served as president. The former vice president of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, she also associates with Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Ladies of Saint Peter’s Savior Catholic Church, and Jack and Jill of America. She is a past member of various child welfare groups and the NAACP. As a testament to her profound success and longevity in the industry, Dr. Ards was highlighted in the 71st edition of Who’s Who in America in 2018. SHEILA D. ARDS, PHD PROFESSOR (RETIRED) University of Minnesota North Oaks, MN EDUCATION Millennium Magazine Featured Listee