In Memoriam: Hallie Ward

February 13, 2026
 

Dear colleagues,

We write with the sad news of the passing of Carol ‘Hallie’ Ward, PhD, a retired lecturer within the psychology department in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. She was 77 years old.  

A passionate educator, Hallie taught at 20 universities throughout her career, including Boston University and the University of Maryland’s overseas campuses, George Mason University, San Jose State University, Metropolitan State University, and many others. Her final academic home was the University of Denver, where she taught for 14 years beginning in 1995. She taught as both an adjunct professor and as a lecturer—a role that preceded today’s teaching and professional-track faculty positions. She taught primarily in the psychology department but also in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology and the Colorado Women’s College.  

Her joy was working with students, engaging with individual students deeply, and finding ways to support them in their educational and professional pursuits. Even in large classes, students left her classes feeling known. Her approach was personal and relational. In 2000, Hallie was recognized by the Faculty Senate with DU’s Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award / Ruth Murray Underhill Teaching Award.

Colleagues and former students remember Hallie’s sharp, critical mind and quick sense of humor. She used these traits in service to her strong sense of justice and belief in the importance of advocating for those without power. She was known for her dedication to supporting students and was perhaps ahead of her time in taking a student-centered approach to teaching. She was especially devoted to supporting students with learning disabilities. She often left people smiling and thinking, ending the conversation with a quick, “peace out” as she moved on to another class, advising appointment, spirited conversation, or office hours.  

Even after retiring from teaching, Hallie remained devoted to supporting and uplifting the next generation and stayed in contact with many former students from her home in Evergreen, Colorado.  

Hallie is survived by her husband, Donald Ward, PhD, her son, Kely Starrett, PhD, her daughter-in-law, Juliet Starrett, JD, and her cherished granddaughters, Georgia and Caroline.  

Please join us in conveying our warmest condolences to Hallie’s family, friends, colleagues, and former students.  

With very best regards,  

Elizabeth G. Loboa, PhD 
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

Leslie Hasche, PhD, MSW 
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

Kateri McRae, PhD 
Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology