Kristi Woods
she/her(s)
Vice President, Planning and Development
Planning and Development
Kane 230-H
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Kristi Woods, Ph.D., currently serves as Vice President of Planning and Development at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, where she brings a strong record of equity-minded leadership and academic excellence. Since 2017, she has served as Dean of the Division of Languages, Humanities, and Social Science, where under her leadership, the division experienced 30% growth and a significant increase in faculty diversity, with over 60% of new hires being faculty of color. A respected member of the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ community, Woods is known for her deep commitment to student equity and social justice, playing key roles in initiatives such as the Umoja program and the development of college-wide Student Equity Plans.
Notably, she made history as the first African American to earn a PhD from the University of Southern California’s Department of History. Her longstanding service at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and dedication to inclusive leadership continue to advance the college’s mission and impact.
Educational Background
- (PhD) Doctorate of Philosophy in U.S. History, University of Southern California
- (MA) Master of Arts in U.S. History, University of Southern California
- (BA) Bachelor of Arts in History