Representative Regina Lewis-Ward Establishes Scholarship at Clayton State University to Inspire Future Leaders to Engage in Public Service

(August 11, 2025) - The Representative Regina Lewis-Ward Annual Scholarship is being established with a gift of $1,000. A scholarship of up to $1,000 will be awarded annually to a full-time Political Science major or a student on the Public Administration track.

The Clayton State University faculty will take part in the selection process and recommend the recipient to the Office of Financial Aid, which will manage the program.

“I came onto the Clayton State campus and got engaged by working in the Center for Academic Success as an assistant graduation coach. In helping students, I learned about the barriers that exist that prevent them from succeeding,” said Representative Lewis-Ward. “They were concerned about having enough money to pay for their education and having to pay for loans after they graduated. That is one of the reasons I decided to establish this scholarship to help students stay in school.”

“We are always grateful when leaders in our community demonstrate their commitment to Clayton State University and support our mission to expand opportunities for social mobility,” said Dr. Georj Lewis, President of Clayton State University. “We are particularly appreciative of the continued support from our dedicated alumni. In addition to this generous scholarship initiative, we deeply value Representative Lewis-Ward’s example of public service, which serves as an inspiration to the next generation of Laker Nation graduates.”

Lewis-Ward is an alumna of Clayton State University, where she earned a master’s degree in political science. She has a passion for higher education, where she started a career in civil service over 30 years ago, and has been dedicated to public service since 2014.

“I have built a lot of relationships with the faculty and administrative staff at the University,” said Representative Lewis-Ward. “Knowing what Clayton State University means to the community and the impact that it has on people’s lives keeps me engaged in wanting to do my part in helping students achieve their academic goals. For students interested in civic engagement, I think this scholarship will help them succeed and hopefully inspire them to run for public office, particularly at the local and state level.”

 Currently, Lewis-Ward serves as a Georgia State Representative, representing the people of the 115th District. In addition to her career in higher education and public service, Lewis-Ward is the author of several books. Her literary works include children’s books and educational literature.