CLAS Dean of Graduate Studies Elected to CGS Board of Directors

Emory H. Woodard, IV, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), where he will serve a three-year term.

CGS, an association of 460 universities that grant graduate degrees, is dedicated to advancing graduate education and research in the U.S. and globally, supporting its mission through policy advocacy, innovative research and the development and dissemination of best practices.

“I am truly honored and excited to join the Council of Graduate Schools Board of Directors and to contribute to CGS’s vital work advancing graduate education nationwide," Dr. Woodard said. "CGS plays a critical role in strengthening the graduate student experience, supporting institutional innovation and elevating the public value of graduate education. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the country to help shape a future where graduate education remains accessible, rigorous and transformative for students and communities alike.”

As a prominent national voice for graduate education, CGS convenes graduate leaders from higher education institutions around the world through annual meetings, workshops and summits, addressing emerging trends and challenges, sharing insights and fostering collaborative strategies to enhance student success.

Board members, drawn from CGS member institutions, help shape the council’s strategic direction and provide guidance on policy and programming while serving as ambassadors for graduate education.

In addition to his new board role, Dr. Woodard currently serves as chair of CGS’s Advancement Advisory Committee and has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (NAGS)—the regional association of the broader CGS—since 2023.