FaithSearch Partners is pleased to announce that its client, College of the Ozarks, has selected Dr. Susan DeWoody as its next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1st.
“It was a privilege to partner with the College of the Ozarks throughout this search,” said Jacqueline Gustafson, Vice President of Higher Education at FaithSearch Partners. “Dr. DeWoody brings a deep commitment to Christian higher education, a distinguished record of academic leadership, and a genuine appreciation for the transformative power of integrating faith, learning, and work. Throughout the process, she demonstrated a clear understanding of the university’s distinctive mission and the value of its work education model in shaping graduates of character, purpose, and service. We are confident her leadership will help advance the institution’s mission and strengthen its impact for years to come.”
DeWoody brings a distinguished record of leadership in higher education, organizational strategy, and institutional effectiveness. Most recently, she served as President of Strata Leadership, LLC, providing executive leadership for the firm while also coaching and advising leaders and organizations. Prior to that, she worked in executive search, partnering with nonprofit and higher education institutions across the country to identify and recruit transformational leaders. Earlier in her career, DeWoody served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Oklahoma Baptist University, where she led academic affairs, student success initiatives, and institutional planning efforts, overseeing significant resources and advancing key strategic priorities. Dr. DeWoody holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University; a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas Tech University. She has demonstrated a commitment to collaborative leadership, data-informed decision-making, and strengthening academic programs to meet the needs of students.
“Dr. DeWoody is a thoughtful and experienced leader with a strong commitment to Christ-centered education,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “Her background in academic leadership, strategic planning, and student success aligns well with our mission. We are confident she will help to safeguard the distinct mission of the College, building upon the strong foundation already in place and helping lead the College forward with clarity and purpose.”
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Founded in 2007, FaithSearch Partners is a premier executive search firm in the U.S. focusing exclusively on serving faith-based educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, ministries, and faith-oriented businesses. Based in Dallas with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Kansas City, Sacramento, Fort Wayne, Durango, Redding, and Rochester, FaithSearch is able to serve faith-based clients in all regions.
