Experience That Makes a Difference: Darryl Ward’s Journey at UTA Libraries

When visitors enter UTA Libraries' Special Collections, Darryl Ward is often the first person they meet. 
 

From the front desk, Ward welcomes students, faculty, researchers, and community members, helping them get started, answering questions, and connecting them with resources. 

But his story reaches far beyond the reference desk. 

 
After more than 30 years in graphic design, Ward returned to The University of Texas at Arlington to complete his education. Today, he works in Special Collections while pursuing his third undergraduate degree at UTA, blending his interests in design, art, and history. 

 
Ward's interest in design began in high school through art and technical drawing courses. That foundation led to a career in advertising, graphic design, and web design, including work with companies such as Incredible Universe and RadioShack. He started in an era of hand-built layouts, before design fully shifted to digital tools. 

 
"I liked the fact that you were creating something," Ward said. 

 
After a career transition, Ward returned to UTA to finish his degree. One degree became two: a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and a bachelor's in art history with a minor in museum studies. Along the way, he developed a strong interest in history, especially in the 19th century with the rise of photography. 

 
"I had all these history credits, so let's not let them go to waste," he said. 

He is now completing a third bachelor's degree in history, continuing to follow his curiosity. 

 
Bringing Experience to Special Collections 

 
Ward joined Special Collections in 2024 through UTA's history department. The role allowed him to combine his academic interests with his professional design experience. 

 
In addition to supporting visitors and researchers, Ward contributes to exhibit design, helping shape displays such as “Our Man in Vietnam,” “Cosmic Cartography,” and “Atlas of Champions.”  
 

Working with archivists and librarians, he helps translate concepts into visuals that draw visitors into the collections. 

 
"Darryl has been an incredibly important member of our team," Evan Spencer, Outreach and Instruction Archivist, said. "His graphic design work has helped elevate our exhibitions and expand what is possible in Special Collections." 

For "Our Man in Vietnam," Ward designed a lens-inspired graphic to highlight a Nikon camera used by journalist Bob Schieffer, making the artifact the exhibit's visual focus. 

"That's what I wanted, for it to be the focal point," Ward said. 

 
In "Cosmic Cartography," he created constellation and zodiac-inspired visuals that supported the exhibit's themes. For Ward, the goal is connection, not just design. 

 
"It means they can kind of see what we're trying to do here," he said. 

 
He emphasizes that the work is collaborative. 

 
"We all feed off of each other's ideas," Ward said. "They'll ask what I think, and we'll build it together." 

A Life of Learning and Connection 

 
Ward's curiosity extends beyond campus. Over the years, he has pursued design, inline hockey, and competitive pool. 

 
Pool became especially meaningful after his father, William, retired from the Marines. The two formed a team and played together for years. 

 
"We played forever," Ward said. 

 
He still plays in a traveling league, keeping that connection alive. 

 
Born in Buffalo, New York, Ward grew up with hockey and remains a lifelong Buffalo Sabers fan. He played inline hockey for years before stepping away after seeing younger players suffer injuries. 

 
"I thought, 'maybe enough's enough,'" he said with a laugh. 

 
A Presence That Shapes the Experience 

 
For Ward, education is about continued learning, not just degrees. 

That mindset carries into his work at UTA Libraries, where he helps create a welcoming environment in Special Collections. 

 
"As a Student Reference Associate, he is often the first-person patrons see," said Spencer. "His professionalism and friendliness set the tone for their visit." 

Whether helping a student begin research or assisting a visiting scholar, Ward approaches each interaction with steady support. 

 
His work reflects UTA Libraries' commitment to research, student success, and community engagement. His exhibit contributions invite deeper engagement with history, while his presence ensures every visitor feels welcomed. 

 
For many, Darryl Ward is the first face they see in Special Collections. What they may not realize is how much he has already shaped their experience. 

 
UTA Libraries is grateful for the experience, creativity, and care he brings each day. His decades of design work, commitment to learning, and dedication to service continue to strengthen Special Collections and the community it serves.