Marianne Ward, former assistant director of alumni and constituent relations at the University of Missouri-Rolla, has been named director of the department. Ward takes over for Lindsay Bagnall, who left the position on May 29. Ward’s appointment took effect June 1.

In her new position, Ward will direct all activities for the MSM-UMR Alumni Association, which represents more than 47,000 graduates of UMR and the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, as well as the UMR Parents Association.

“I’m grateful for this new opportunity,” Ward says. “It is both a privilege and a pleasure to serve our alumni in this expanded capacity.”

As director, Ward will work with alumni association leaders to make a smooth transition from the MSM-UMR Alumni Association to its next incarnation. The association’s board of directors will vote this fall to change the organization’s name to reflect UMR’s Jan 1, 2008, change to Missouri University of Science and Technology.

“Whatever the name of the association becomes, one thing remains constant,” Ward says. “We have the best alumni in the world to work with.”

During her 16-year tenure at UMR, Ward has served in many roles in the University Advancement division, including two years in the publications department, five years in public relations and three years in annual giving. She began work with alumni and constituent relations in 2001 as a coordinator. She was named assistant director in 2002.

Ward earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., in 1987. Prior to joining UMR, Ward was a managing editor and writer at newspapers in Missouri and Illinois.