Meet Gibson Ward ’27 Ward has found his 'home' on campus with the Shepherd Program.

Gibson Ward ’27
Majors: Economics and sociology
Minor: Poverty and human capability studies
Hometown: Chapin, South Carolina

Why did you choose to come to W&L? 

My first time touring W&L was in eighth grade with my older brother, John Coleman Ward ’23. I fell in love with the close-knit community and the scenery. However, being a middle-schooler, I did not grasp the immense value of the resources, opportunities and education W&L has to offer. It was not until after my brother came to W&L did I learn the true value of a W&L education.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L? 

Yes! Sociology. My first-year faculty adviser, Howard Pickett, recommended I take a course in sociology after I shared my academic interests with him. I was interested in policy and how the policy we shape affects the people it is meant to help. Upon his recommendation, I took a course in the fall of my sophomore year, I and loved it so much that I decided to major in sociology.

Where is your “home” on campus?

I have found my home with the Shepherd Program. What makes the Shepherd Program so special is the people. The faculty and staff are very supportive and help their students pursue their academic and career interests. And the students are all supportive and driven to make meaningful impact in the community. The Shepherd Program facilitates students getting involved and connecting with the Lexington community.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus? 

My most impactful experience at W&L has been serving on the Executive Committee (EC); currently, I serve as one of the Class of 2027 representatives. For me, student self-governance is what makes W&L, W&L. The student body is entrusted to make major decisions about campus life. My favorite part of being on the EC has been interviewing and meeting with student leaders from all over campus.

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student? 

I have taken two courses and have done independent research with Professor Jon Eastwood. Through coursework and mentorship, Professor Eastwood has profoundly shaped my academic journey at W&L. He has a talent for breaking down difficult concepts to be easily understandable.

What was your favorite class and why? 

My favorite class I have taken is a class I am currently taking — SOAN 222: Data Science Tools for Social Policy. So far, the course has delved deep into statistical reasoning and has covered many methods used in policy analysis. The course is challenging at times; however, Professor Eastwood does an excellent job breaking down extremely complex topics to help us understand.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L? 

My proudest accomplishment was being chosen to be the Program Advisor Leader (PA) for the Advanced Immersion Mentoring (AIM) program. The AIM program prepares rising first-years for challenges they may face in the transition to college and connects them with resources on campus to help overcome these challenges. The residential program also has a research component. As the PA, I served as a mentor, peer adviser and residential adviser for 29 rising first-years. My favorite part of being a PA was the relationships I built with AIM scholars, my fellow PAs and the faculty advisers to the program.

Have you studied abroad during your time at W&L? Where did you go, and how was your experience? 

Yes! My freshman year Spring Term I took SPAN 214: Spanish Identity and Culture in the 21st Century. The class spent four weeks in Cádiz, Spain. We took courses at a local university and learned about Spanish history, food, architecture, language and much more. The experience was amazing!

Who or what inspires you?

My peers at W&L inspire me the most. I am constantly in awe of how driven and passionate the students here are.