Dr. Douglas W. Woods, who currently serves as the vice provost for graduate and professional studies and dean of the Graduate School, has been appointed as the next provost at Loyola University Chicago. He will be concluding his tenure at Marquette University at the conclusion of the spring 2024 semester after dedicating eight years to the institution.
During his time at Marquette starting in 2016, Woods undertook significant initiatives including the restructuring of the Graduate School with a heightened emphasis on student recruitment, resulting in a surge in Graduate School enrollment. He spearheaded the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for the Graduate School, introduced a novel doctoral career skills prerequisite for Ph.D. candidates, and established the program incubator, facilitating the creation of several innovative graduate programs tailored to industry needs.
President Michael R. Lovell commended Woods, stating, “I have had the great pleasure of working with Doug Woods at two universities. As a senior leader, he has demonstrated impressive leadership skills and a strong commitment to supporting students and faculty at all levels. I know that he will be successful as he moves into the role of provost at Loyola University Chicago. He has been a trusted, strategic adviser to me and others across campus — I wish him the best on this well-earned step in his career.”
Provost Kimo Ah Yun also praised Woods, remarking, “Dr. Woods has been an extraordinary strategic, mission-oriented leader for Marquette University. He led the Graduate School with vision and principle, and he was an invaluable partner on the university’s recent strategic planning efforts, serving as the academic affairs lead on the Strategic Plan Core Team. Loyola University Chicago has found in Dr. Woods a servant leader who will guide its academic enterprise with purpose and a commitment to the Catholic, Jesuit mission and values our institutions share.”
Expressing his gratitude, Woods acknowledged, “I am grateful to President Lovell and Provost Ah Yun for the opportunity to serve Marquette University and its graduate community. I have made many good friends and colleagues during my time here and will miss them. I am particularly thankful for the directors of graduate studies, University Board of Graduate Studies, Graduate School Leadership Council, Graduate Student Organization, staff of the Graduate School, and graduate students at Marquette. Their work over my time here has been incredible.”
Before his tenure at Marquette, Woods held the position of chair of the psychology department at Texas A&M University and served as the associate dean for social sciences, education, and business at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Graduate School.
Woods’ research focuses on comprehending, developing treatments for, and disseminating behavioral interventions for individuals, both children, and adults, with Tourette’s syndrome and other OCD-spectrum disorders.
His academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ohio University, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from North Dakota State University, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Western Michigan University.