Celebrating the Remarkable Career and Retirement of Dr. Barbara Ann Woods

After an illustrious career spanning forty-two years, distinguished alumna, mentor, and advocate, Dr. Barbara Ann Woods, is bidding farewell to Iowa State University (ISU) as she enters a new chapter in her life. As an Alabama A&M University (AAMU) alum, Dr. Woods arrived at ISU to pursue her doctoral program and has since made a lasting impact on both the university and the community. Join us in celebrating her outstanding accomplishments as we bid adieu to a truly remarkable individual.

One of the notable highlights of Dr. Woods' career is her recognition as the winner of the ISU Women of Impact calendar in 2018¹. This esteemed accolade pays tribute to exceptional women within the ISU community who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Dr. Woods' dedication to her work, leadership skills, and commitment to empowering others undoubtedly earned her this well-deserved honor.

During an interview, Dr. Woods fondly mentioned her prior affiliation with AAMU where she served as a home economist before embarking on her doctoral journey at ISU². This background undoubtedly shaped her perspectives, cultivated her expertise, and contributed to her success as a distinguished academic and professional throughout her tenure at ISU.

Another remarkable contribution by Dr. Woods is her involvement in the Cardinal Tales project and the ISU Extension and Outreach Oral History project³. With a passion for preserving the history and experiences of ISU's community members, Dr. Woods played an integral role in ensuring that these stories are not forgotten, providing valuable insights for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

In recognition of her remarkable commitment to fostering inclusive excellence, Dr. Woods was honored with the prestigious ISU Award for Inclusive Excellence⁴. This distinction highlights her tireless efforts in creating an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds thrive and succeed.

Beyond her professional sphere, Dr. Woods is an active member of her church community in Ames, IA, actively contributing to its growth, service, and support⁵. Not only that, she devotes her time and energy to several service organizations, notably including the Rotary Club. Her dedication to making a positive impact extends far beyond the university, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.

Dr. Woods' retirement marks the end of an era at ISU, as well as the beginning of a well-deserved period of rest and reflection for this remarkable alumna. Her distinguished career, marked by numerous achievements and commendations, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the ISU community and beyond.

As we celebrate Dr. Woods' momentous achievement, we extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering dedication, guidance, and inspiration to all whose lives she has touched throughout her time at ISU. We wish her an incredible retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures.

To learn more about Dr. Barbara Ann Woods and her contributions, please visit the following links:

• ISU Women of Impact Calendar Winner: https://ames-ia.aauw.net/dr-barbara-woods/
• Interview with Dr. Barbara Woods: https://iastate.aviaryplatform.com/collections/265/collection_resources/28327
• Cardinal Tales and ISU Extension and Outreach Oral History Project: https://isuspecialcollections.wordpress.com/tag/oral-history/ and https://iastate.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1725/collection_resources/55901/file/130169
• ISU Award for Inclusive Excellence: https://www.morningagclips.com/9-extension-professionals-receive-university-awards/

Please note that the given links may be subject to change over time.

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