Jim Woodell
Jim Woodell, PhD, his professional journey reflects diverse expertise and accomplishments, spanning research and development, education, workforce training, and community development.
Between 2011 and 2018, Jim was a key figure at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), serving as the vice president for economic development and community engagement. His role involved collaborating with member institutions to enhance their regional engagement and economic development initiatives. He played a pivotal role in APLU’s Commission on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Economic Prosperity (CICEP), and the Council on Engagement and Outreach (CEO), pushing forward the organization’s economic and community engagement objectives. His efforts were instrumental in maintaining APLU’s influence in national discussions regarding the economic and social contributions of public research universities.
At APLU, Jim’s leadership was crucial in establishing the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities designation program. He spearheaded creation and publishing of the CICEP Economic Engagement Framework, a key element in the IEP Universities program application process. His notable contribution includes the seminal publication, “Higher Education Engagement in Economic Development: Foundations for Strategy and Practice.”
Jim has also contributed as an advisor to several national organizations focusing on higher education’s broader economic and societal impacts, including the National Alliance for Broader Impacts, MForesight, the National Academy of Inventors, and the Institute for Research on Innovation and Science.
In the field of academic technology and online education, Jim managed a large-scale distance learning program at Southern New Hampshire University. He taught at the master’s level at Marlboro College.
Holding a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Penn State University, a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, and a Bachelor’s in Science in Television, Radio, and Film from Syracuse University, Jim’s academic background is as diverse as his professional experience.
