Earlise Ward, PhD

PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison; Counseling Psychology
MS, Brooklyn College, City University of New York; Guidance and Counseling
BBA, Baruch College, City University of New York; International Marketing

Earlise Ward is a Professor in the School of Nursing at University of Wisconsin–Madison. She teaches in the psychiatric mental health nursing track. Dr. Ward conducts community-based participatory clinical research focused on African American adults’ mental health and culturally competent mental health care. As a researcher and licensed psychologist, Dr. Ward has witnessed first-hand in her clinical practice the impact of mental health disparities among African Americans. Her program of research focuses on developing and testing culturally adapted mental health interventions for African American adults with depression. Dr. Ward has expanded her research on an international level. In particular, she is collaborating with researchers in the US Virgin Islands and Ghana, Africa, to develop and test culturally specific behavioral treatments for depression. Dr. Ward is the Program Lead of the Cancer Health Disparities Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. This initiative is focused on addressing disparities in cancer incidence, treatment and survivorship among underrepresented minorities, with the goal of reducing the cancer burden. In addition, Dr. Ward serves in the role of the Faculty Director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service (MCPS). She leads the MCPS in its mission to boost civic engagement, promote community-based teaching and learning, and create and support partnerships between the University of Wisconsin–Madison and communities.

Research focus areas

Health Disparities Mental Health & Substance Use

Learn more about Dr. Ward’s research

Morgridge Center for Public Service