Austin, Ward H.

Ward Hunting Austin grew up on a small ranch in Southern California. After graduating from high school, he worked as an electrician on hydro-electric construction projects. When World War I broke out, he enlisted in the aviation division of the Army. After the end of the war, Ward received his bachelor and masters degrees in electrical engineering from the University of California. He became an instructor in engineering in 1927 and eventually earned several education certifications. He taught at Marin Junior College from 1927 to 1938, serving as Vice-Principal and Dean of Men during the latter part of the time.

Ward married Miriam Fulton in 1923, and they had three children. In addition to the time he devoted to his career and family, he was a man of many interests and hobbies. Some of his interests included metallurgy, photography, and fishing, and he was also an avid tennis and basketball player.

Lick-Wilmerding named Ward the Head of School in 1939. LWHS found him especially well suited for the position because he knew the work of trade and industry; he was college-trained in the sciences; he knew the financial problems that face young people in search of an education (he worked his way through college); he was well acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of school officials; and finally, he was forward-looking and progressive. Ward held the position until 1942.

Ward died on September 9, 1979, at 83 years old.