New School of Business Dean focused on student growth, career readiness, collaboration

For Doug Woods, becoming Dean of Heidelberg University's School of Business is the next chapter in a career built on teaching, leadership, and a commitment to helping students succeed.

On Aug. 1, Doug will step into the dean's role after four years as an Associate Professor of Accounting at Heidelberg. Since joining the faculty in 2021, he has become a familiar presence on campus, known for his dedication to students, his collaborative spirit and his willingness to serve the university community. Before coming to Heidelberg, Doug taught at Defiance College and the University of Akron at Wayne College, where he also served as program coordinator.

In this Q&A, get to know Doug and learn about his vision for the School of Business.

Q: Where does your interest in this position stem from and what was your reaction when you learned you had been selected as dean?
A. I had come from another university where I served 15 years as department chair, handling similar responsibilities as a dean. I also filled in as interim dean at Heidelberg for a short time. So when the opportunity came up, I expressed my interest in helping the School of Business grow and move forward.

Q: How has that experience as a faculty member and account prepared you for this role?
A: I have been a faculty member for 40 years, and in that time, I’ve worked with a lot of different deans and observed their styles. You pick up things you like and incorporate those into your work. I’ve had maybe 15 role models, and I’ve learned something different from each one of them.

Q: What originally drew you to higher education and to business education specifically?
A: I always wanted to be a teacher. It was always something I thought about. My parents were entrepreneurs (several small businesses). As a first-generation college student, I grew up in an entrepreneurial environment. I started out working at my dad’s trucking firm. That’s where I learned to find value in all people and all jobs.

Q: What career accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: I’m very proud of having received unanimous support from the Heidelberg School of Business faculty for this position. Also, it’s so rewarding when I hear from former students who have found career success as CPAs or in other positions. That’s always a boost!

Q: What excites you most about leading the Heidelberg School of Business?
A: The opportunity to grow and expand the School. Recruiting and retention are really important, and I’m excited to help the students who are here find success. I’ll get as involved as Admissions will allow.

Q: What are your top priorities during your first year as dean?
A: I’ve already started a list that I’m looking at right away. As I mentioned, recruiting and retention will be top priorities. I’m also thinking about starting a little group that would work with the Owen Center for Teaching and Learning to help students take advantage of the intervention services they provide for students.

Internships are going to be a major priority. In this era of AI and entry-level jobs, it’s imperative that students get internship experience. Internships help them decide if this is what they want to do and also if it’s not what they want to do. And it could lead to a job.

Q: How do you hope to build on the school's existing strengths?
A: The reputation of the Heidelberg School of Business is excellent. The biggest strength is the faculty. It’s a very collaborative and supportive culture where the faculty are always there for each other and willing to engage and help anyone who needs help. I plan to continue to nurture that culture.

Q: What do you want current and prospective students to know about the School of Business?
A: That every faculty member here is committed to seeing you succeed and that you have the best college experience possible. There’s not one faculty member who wouldn’t drop everything to help someone. My door is always open to talk about School of Business issues, career advice … whatever someone needs.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
A: It’s very collaborative. I like to find out where everyone is coming from. Everyone has an emotional connection. We have a strong sense of trust and loyalty among the faculty and a shared vision. We’ll develop strong communication based on our trust and loyalty.

Q: What values will guide your decision-making as dean?
A: I’m big on equity and fairness. I always look for everyone to be treated equitably.

Q: What do you think makes a great business school today?
A: It starts with great faculty who are committed to going the extra mile for students. And then, it’s a curriculum that is current, that gives students the tools for success.

As I mentioned, we will continue to prioritize internships and encourage all of our business students to pursue the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build professional skills, and gain valuable insight into workplace expectations.

Q: How do you hope to strengthen relationships with alumni, employers, and the regional business community?
A: There are three things I tell students: Internships, internships, internships. We need to encourage and assist students with internships and placements and give them as much real-world experience as we can.

We can tell them how things are done in a CPA firm, for example, but it becomes clearer when they’re out in the field, actually doing the work. By placing our students with alumni and local/regional employers, it’s a win for everyone.

Q: What message would you like to share with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the School of Business as you begin this new chapter?
A: Come be part of the team. This is a group effort. Not only faculty and staff, but also alumni who can talk with our students about their experiences and help keep us up to date.

QUICK FIVE

Coffee or Tea?: Tea

Favorite business or leadership book? “Start with Why: How Group Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek

Favorite class you've ever taught? Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which took students to Eastern Europe. I also enjoy freshman-level classes and watching students grow through their time at Heidelberg.

One word your colleagues would use to describe you? Humorous

Best piece of career advice you've ever received? Figure out what you enjoy doing and you can learn to live on the salary it pays. Don’t do it the other way around.