Bill Ard graduated from Wichita State University in 1964 with a degree in psychology. Considered a pioneer in self-storage industry research, he partnered and co-founded Security Storage Properties. His wife, Donna, graduated from WSU in 1973 with a degree in anthropology.
They share a passion for history, which has led them on treks along parts of the Oregon and Santa Fe trails, and visits to Revolutionary and Civil war battlegrounds. Mrs. Ard believes, ‘You can t judge the future if you don’t know your history.’ Mr. Ard also followed portions of the Lewis and Clark journey to the Pacific Ocean.
In 2002, their combined appreciation for history and affinity for WSU inspired the creation of the Ard Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a faculty member in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences History department.
Mr. and Mrs. Ard are life members of the WSU Alumni Association. Mr. Ard has served on the WSU Foundation Board of Directors and sits on the National Advisory Council.
