Clarence Ward (1884-1973) was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 11, 1884. After growing up in Connecticut, he attended Princeton University, from which he received his BA(1905), MA(1906), and PhD (1914). While working on his PhD, Ward taught at Rutgers as well as Princeton. After receiving his PhD in 1914 Ward accepted a position at Oberlin College in 1916 as the Adelia A. Field Johnston Professor of the History and Appreciation of Art. In addition to this, Ward became the Director of the Allen Memorial Art Museum in 1917.

As a professor at Oberlin College, Ward was known as an open, caring, parental figure whose classroom nurtured learning. His classes on European architecture, specifically French Cathedrals, were quite popular. Ward's interests also included New England Churches which he was able to exercise in his plans for the design of East Oberlin Church which he helped found and where he presided as Pastor from 1929-1949.

Upon his retirement from professorship and the Allen Memorial Art Museum in 1949 Ward focused on his second career as an architect. Ward designed and supervised the construction of the President’s House (at 154 Forest Street), served as the interior decorator for the 1932 Noah Hall, and contributed to the designs of Oberlin College Hales Gymnasium, as well as the 1937 addition to the Art Museum.

While Ward felt his greatest accomplishment was the expansion of the Art Library by 25,000 square feet, his effect on Oberlin College and town was quite deep. From his building designs, his religious involvement in the community, to his teaching methods Ward make a great impact on Oberlin. In 1950, the Oberlin College presented Ward with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The Clarence Ward Art Library, part of the 1977 AMAM addition, is named in his honor.

Ward married Helen Eshbaugh on July 15, 1907. This union produced two children: Helen (1908-1948) and F. Champion Ward (b. 1910). Clarence Ward died in Oberlin, Ohio on January 20, 1973.