provost and senior vice president for
academic affairs at Alcorn State University

Ontario Wooden

Meet

Ontario Wooden

Ontario S. Wooden serves as the Provost and Senior Vice President For Academic Affairs at Alcorn State University. He recently left his position as the  Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Academic Outreach the Division of Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University (NCCU).  His responsibilities included the University Honors Program, the Office of Community Engagement and Service, the Center for Science, Math & Technology Education, and the Office of International Affairs.  Dr. Wooden also provided leadership for student grievances and appeals, parent relations, Memoranda of Understanding, University Conference, and other academic success initiatives.

on why he chose a career in education

I have a natural inclination to help and support people. I have loved working in higher education and then becoming a university administrator, because I get to do such positive things in my work. Every day there is an opportunity to help a student. If a person does not care, there is no way they can teach. You have to have that in you. Those are innate skills that I’ve had and been able to use as a higher education administrator.

Alcorn

Alcorn welcomes Dr. Ontario Wooden as the new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs

Following a nationwide search, a new provost will pave the way for student success and faculty excellence at Alcorn State University. Dr. Ontario Wooden began his tenure as the University’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Thrive Global Interview

A Discussion With Ontario Wooden On the Rewards of Helping Today’s Youth

“What I love is helping people.  I got a phone call last night from a student that I met 16 years ago who is now married, has a daughter, and is working on a doctorate.  He just wanted to have a conversation and catch up because of the support that I provided him as an undergraduate student. “

Ideamensch interview

An Interview with NCCU's Associate Vice Chancellor

“I had that initial desire to become an elementary school teacher and a part of that was born out of my grandmother’s idea of wanting to be a teacher and never being able to realize that dream. In my mind, I somehow wanted to realize that dream for her, but at the same time I’ve always had a passion for helping people because to me the best way to help people, build them up and support them is to educate them.”