William R. Woodson

William R. “Randy” Woodson became Purdue University’s provost effective May 1, 2008. Woodson, who had served as the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture since 2004, succeeds Victor L. Lechtenberg, who returned to his role as vice provost for engagement after serving as in interim provost since July 2007.

As provost, Woodson is responsible for oversight of all Purdue colleges and schools and related academic activities in coordination with the Office of the President. His office oversees academic systems such as the libraries, computing center, and student services (admissions, registrar, financial aid, health facilities), along with all Purdue cultural centers. The provost’s office also oversees issues of academic concern for the university’s four regional campuses and the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service.

Woodson joined the Purdue faculty in 1985 and became a professor in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture in 1993. He was the director of the plant biology program from 1995-97. From 1996-98, Woodson also served as the head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.

In 1998 he was named associate dean of agriculture and director of agricultural research programs and was responsible for overseeing the university’s research programs in agriculture, including fiscal management and other responsibilities such as program development and direction, budgeting, pursuit of outside funding for research and advocacy for agricultural and natural resources research.

While the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, Woodson led the college’s effort to hire more than 100 new faculty; partnered with the College of Science to launch the Climate Change Research Center; developed or enhanced a number of student success programs such as leadership development and study abroad; increased sponsored research from $41.6 million in 2003-04 to $67 million; hired more than 100 new county educators; and created the college’s Office of Multicultural Programs.

A native of Arkansas, Woodson received a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and chemistry from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in horticulture and doctorate in horticulture/plant physiology from Cornell University. Prior to coming to Purdue, he was an assistant professor of horticulture at Louisiana State University.