25th entrance
Sister Claudia S. Ward
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany
Entrance: 1994
Final profession: 2001
Education: Bachelor’s in education, Southwest Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Okla., 1981
Master’s in mathematics education, Southwest Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Okla., 1984
Certificate in education administration, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2000
Service in the archdiocese: Assistant principal, Bishop Healy School, St. Louis, 1994-96
Specialist, education and organizational development, Mercy Health, 2010-14
Specialist, talent development and optimization, Mercy Health, 2014-17
Clinical quality and patient safety lead, Mercy Health, 2017-19
Program manager, Health Leads, a national nonprofit partnering with Mercy South and Mercy Clinics in Jefferson County and St. Louis County to identify socioeconomic barriers affecting patient’s medical care and connect patients with resources, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Assistant principal at St. Alphonsus Elementary School in New Orleans.
Principal at St. John’s Elementary School in Hot Springs, Ark., and Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, Ark.
About Sister Claudia S. Ward: Sister Claudia Silke Ward has been in the United States since 1973. Her early years involved extensive travel across the country due to her father’s military career. She has delved into multiple aspects of mathematics, technology, religious studies and history, and has visited Dublin and the founding House of Mercy. Diversity in all forms has become central to Sister Claudia’s involvement in ministry, community service in governance for education and health care entities, and dedicated service with women’s issues, racism and other critical concerns. For enjoyment — in the spirit of her dear mother – she cherishes time gardening, and has worked tirelessly on efforts involving creation, physical fitness, cycling and hiking. Above all, she is passionate about her vocational call to the Sisters of Mercy and the rich heritage and legacy shared among her community.