Deanne Woodard is the UAA vice chancellor for Student Affairs, having served in that role since June 2022. As the vice chancellor, Woodard oversees departments and programs engaging in enrollment management, outreach and transition, and student development, supporting students at every point in their UAA experience, from pre-enrollment through graduation and on to job placement. She collaborates closely with the other vice chancellors, in particular with the provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs in support of enrollment management for the university.

Having served in a number of positions related to student affairs and student success before coming to UAA, Woodard brings more than 15 years of higher education experience to the vice chancellor role. Woodard previously served as associate vice provost for Targeted Programs and Populations at UAA since May 2021, overseeing a number of student success initiatives, such as the Learning Commons, Summer Bridge transition programs and UAA’s three TRIO programs: Student Support Services, Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search. Before stepping into the associate vice provost role, Woodard served as associate dean of University Studies for UAA’s Community & Technical College. At Kansas State University, she served as assistant dean of Student Life and director of Non-Traditional and Veteran Student Services. She also directed early college and community outreach programs at Mesa Community College.

Woodard has experience in roles related to inclusiveness, multicultural services, student recruitment, student success and more. Before making the jump to higher education, Woodard was a high school English teacher. In addition to her breadth of higher education experience, Woodard has knowledge and experience with the full student experience, from high school to early college to university and beyond.

Woodard holds a bachelor’s degree from Dillard University and a master’s degree from Saint Louis University, both in English Language and Literature.