Johnny C. Woods Jr., a higher education scholar-practitioner with extensive experience improving administrative and programmatic processes and systems to advance student success, has been named vice president for administrative services at Yakima Valley College effective May 1.
Woods comes to YVC from Seattle Central College where he serves as vice president of administrative services, overseeing various campus functional units and services to maximize operational excellence. He previously held the role of executive director of campus operations at SCC, which he joined in February 2023.
Before SCC, he was involved in teaching, research and program administration at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, from 2018 to 2023. His research and passion focus on the experiences and outcomes of marginalized groups in higher education, including access and equity in STEM education. He previously served in a variety of administrative roles at William V. S. Tubman University in Liberia, including chief of staff to its president and interim vice president for administration, from 2008 to 2018.
Woods earned his Ph.D. in higher education from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in educational foundations (with an emphasis in administration and planning) from Makerere University, and a bachelor’s in sociology from the A.M.E. Zion University.
“Our college looks forward to the experience and passion for helping all students achieve success that Dr. Woods brings with him,” said YVC Interim President Teresa Rich. “Dr. Woods has led improvements in processes and systems at higher education institutions that, similar to Yakima Valley College, serve large numbers of first-generation and other historically underserved students.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the YVC family, as I strongly believe my values, interests, lived experience and background align with the community served by the college and the college’s mission,” said Woods.
Bringing his perspectives as a first-generation college graduate, person of color and immigrant — identities shared by many YVC students — is something that Woods looks forward to sharing with the college community.
“Being in an educational environment that enables me to contribute to the educational goals and career aspirations of individuals, reduce opportunity gaps and advance socioeconomic transformation is my passion, YVC provides that opportunity for me,” said Woods.
Yakima Valley College is a public, two-year institution of higher education dedicated to strengthening our communities by providing opportunities for economic mobility, personal enrichment and sociocultural engagement. YVC offers five bachelor of applied science degrees, 55 associate degrees and more than 100 certificate of achievement programs. YVC students can enroll in programs in lower division arts and sciences, professional and technical education, adult basic education and English Language Acquisition at campuses in Yakima and Grandview and learning centers in Ellensburg and Toppenish.