Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.

High School: Northeast Health Science Magnet High School, where he was on the golf team, the yearbook staff and president of DECA.

Family: “My mother, Deborah Ward, who is closer to my heart than anyone. My father, Joseph Ward Sr., who I loved dearly but unfortunately passed away my first year of college. I have two older siblings, my sister, LaShawn, and my brother, Joseph. I also have a cat named Hero. All of these people (not Hero) have contributed to me being where I am today.”

Current Employment: Tutor in the Macon State College Academic Resource Center.

Degree Objective: Associate of science in respiratory therapy to be followed by a bachelor’s degree.

Class Rank: Junior

Macon State Activities: “I'm currently an officer of MSCARE, the respiratory therapy club here at Macon State. I'm also a new member of the AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care).”

Career Goals: “I chose respiratory therapy because, first and foremost, I wanted to help people. It's also a very hands-on job that allows you to stay busy. I want to specialize in neonatal and pediatrics because I love kids and hate the thought of a sick child, not to mention that babies don’t give you as much attitude as adults do.”

He chose Macon State College because … “It was the college closest to home that offered my major. Macon State was also the most affordable. I didn't want to be a financial burden to my parents or myself by having to pay back ridiculous loans.”

The one thing that surprised him about Macon State was … “The concern and help from the professors. I can honestly say that in my opinion all the professors I have had have tried their best to make sure that every student succeeds and understands the material they cover.”

His favorite professor this semester is … “Charles Matson (assistant professor and director of the respiratory therapy program). He is very laid back and has a very conversational style of teaching that's very easy to listen to. I also like my clinical experience instructor, Daniel Phillips from the Medical Center.”

My favorite place to study is … “The Medical Library of Mercer University.”

One thing people don’t know about him is … “I just learned how to blow my nose. (Don’t ask what I did before that.)”

His friends make fun of him because … “I'm the cheapest person they know. They know I can't bear to spend a penny more than I feel is necessary.”

The one person he’d most like to meet is … "Paul Rusesabagina. He was the main character portrayed in the movie ‘Hotel Rwanda.’ I admire his willingness to risk his life to save people and also to stand up for what was right in the midst of a mass genocide. He displayed humility and had a self-sacrificing spirit, which I feel are uncommon traits in the ‘me first’ world of today.”

Five years from now he sees himself … “Married, and working day shift at the Medical Center in the pediatric ICU. I see myself not being so cheap and, most importantly, happy to be done with college.”