Dwedor Weslyne Ford, director and associate professor of kinesiology at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, passed away on July 16. She was 45 years old.
Born in Conway, Arkansas, Dr. Ford was a summa cum laude graduate of historically Black Tennessee State University, where she majored in computer science. She briefly taught computer science at historically Black Philander Smith College (now University) in Little Rock, Arkansas, before continuing her education at Middle Tennessee State University. There, she earned her master’s degree in health, physical education, recreation, and safety and her Ph.D. in health and human performance. Later in her career, she earned an MBA from the University of the People. She was also set to enroll in the Syracuse University College of Law in the upcoming fall semester.
After completing her doctorate, Dr. Ford began teaching as an adjunct professor with historically Black Texas Southern University in Houston. She later joined the faculty at another HBCU, Prairie View A&M University, where she taught for six years until the time of her passing. As director of the kinesiology program, she oversaw curriculum reforms, developed interdisciplinary courses on health education, and mentored both students and faculty members. Earlier this year, she was promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure.
In her research, Dr. Ford focused on disability sport, racial and health inequities, the integration of artificial intelligence in kinesiology, and culturally responsive teaching practices. Recently, she and her mother were working on a project to bring electricity to underserved areas in Brewerville, Liberia. She was also developing an AI-powered literacy app designed to support Black children with dyslexia. Additionally, she was preparing to lead real estate rehabilitation initiatives in underserved communities across the United States and Liberia.
