Randolph Ward, professor of theatre arts in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1972, Ward had an impact on generations of Virginia Tech undergraduate and graduate students. He founded and led the university’s groundbreaking graduate design/technical theatre degree program.

As a scenographer and lighting designer on more than 220 productions, Ward added depth to countless theatrical productions. In addition to collaborations with his Virginia Tech colleagues, Ward collaborated with theatrical innovators Ping Chong and Andy Belser.

Ward designed or supported the design of theatre venues in the Moss Arts Center, Henderson Hall, and Theatre 101 at Virginia Tech, as well as the Von Liebig Theatre and the Hallbritter Performing Arts Center at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; the Jefferson Center in Roanoke, Virginia; the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia; the Maury School’s ARTSPACE in Fredericksburg, Virginia; the Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, North Carolina; the State Theatre of North Carolina; the International Storytelling Center in Johnson City, Tennessee; and Playhouse 460 in Christiansburg, Virginia.

At Virginia Tech, Ward served as the consultant to the recital salon in Squires Student Center, which is the primary performance venue for chamber music, student ensembles, and academic and professional recitals. He also designed the Studio Theatre, the primary venue for university theatre productions.

Among his many accolades, Ward received the first Phi Beta Kappa Sturm Award for Creative Activity for Cathay: Three Tales of China; the 2005 nomination for the American Theatre Wing Henry Hewes “Best Scenic Design Award” for Cathay: Three Tales of China; and a 2002 nomination for the American Theatre Wing Henry Hewes “Best Scenic Design Award” for Edda: Viking Tales of Lust.

Ward received his bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Houston and a master of fine arts degree from the University of Hawaii.