Hilary R. Dow Ward is the Director of Development for Peabody College. Since 2004, she has worked in K-12 and higher education, as well as in various non-profits across the country. Her roles have included music teacher, school chaplain, learning specialist, program administrator, and more. Before joining Vanderbilt University, Dr. Dow Ward contributed to institutions such as The University of the South in Sewanee, TN, Uncommon Charter Schools in Brooklyn, NY, Project 440 in Philadelphia, PA, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, and Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School in Memphis, TN, and served as an on-air host for NPR-WKNO/WKNP FM Radio.
Dr. Dow Ward holds a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in music performance from The University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) from Memphis Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) from Union University, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in education administration, leadership, and policy from The University of Memphis. Her dissertation, titled “Measuring Elementary Teacher Concerns About Integrating English Language Arts and Music in the Common-Core Classroom,” reflects her dedication to interdisciplinary education. Additionally, Hilary is a trained teaching artist, having studied at Lincoln Center Education at The Juilliard School in New York City.