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C.J. Woods

"C.J.'s dedication is remarkable," Bowling Green senior Duan Wright said of the director of Minority Student Support Services. "A lot of students have adopted C.J. as a father/brother figure. Someone strong enough to lean on."

Although there was a strong educational influence during his childhood, Woods said he had no desire to go into education. Woods wanted to go to law school.

But during his undergraduate years at the University of Southern Mississippi, he became interested in the student life. He served as a resident assistant, hall director and student government representative.

Woods graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science. He obtained a master's degree in counseling and student development from George Mason University.

When it was time to decide where to work. Woods said Western was his first choice because he liked the strong black leadership in the student life division.

Woods said he is proud of the programs that he and the other employees of the Minority Student Support Services have developed.

The Western Connection Weekend is a program that allows high school juniors and seniors to come to Western and spend one weekend getting the feel for college life. Students go to a real class and engage in many activities that get students interested in going to college. Woods said he is most proud of the tutoring program.

"By far, the tutoring program is the most important," Woods said, "because we finally have something academic for the students."

Other programs that the Minority Student Support Services offers is peer mentoring, Black Males at Western (BMW), Sister to Sister Conversation Hour and Outstanding Black Graduates.

Woods said he would like more students to use Minority Student Support Services.

"We have a very positive record with people who use our services," Woods said.

Doing only what's required isn't Woods' style. Along with all the work that is required of him, he also helps students with extracurricular activities.

"He does a lot of things that people don't know," Nashville senior LaToya Ramsey said. "He helps students get scholarships, chaperones parties and helps with the annual step show. If he just did his job, then no one would know who he was."

Lavette Burnette, an office assistant in the Office of Academic Affairs, refers to Woods as a support system.

"He was there for me, and helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life," she said. "He helped me get my job and keep it. He brings sincerity to this campus, and he cares about students."

Woods' co-workers also consider him a brother figure.

"We have a family atmosphere. We share professional and personal things in our lives," said Jackie Pillow, a Minority Student Support Services office assistant.

Ramsey advises everyone to come to Woods' office and get to know him.

"His door is always open," Ramsey said. "I feel honored to call him my friend."

Woods said the best part about his job is to see students grow.

Lewis, Clinton. "Stress Splashdown," Daily News, April 29, 2004, photograph.
Loyal, Taylor. "Program Lets Pupils Meet Heroes," Daily News, November 19, 2002
"Western's Woods is Human Rights Chair," Daily News, October 22, 2003