Dr. Antwon D. Woods is an academic entrepreneur and management strategist who thrives on brainstorming innovative ideas and promoting positive change to solve complex problems and achieve ambitious goals. With over fifteen years of progressive experience in higher education spanning both liberal arts and research institutions, Dr. Woods is one of the youngest university deans in the nation, currently leading the School of Business at Alcorn State University—the oldest public historically black land-grant college in the United States.  In this pivotal role, he directs the school's strategic vision, upholds rigorous academic standards, and drives operational efficiency while championing faculty and student development and mentorship within the ACBSP International-accredited programs.

Dr. Woods's distinguished academic credentials reflect his commitment to multidisciplinary excellence. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Jackson State University, a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science in Sport Management from Middle Tennessee State University. He further advanced his leadership expertise by completing the Senior Executive Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, where he received a Certificate of Specialization in Executive Leadership.

As Dean, Dr. Woods oversees departmental curriculum development, champions faculty- and student-led initiatives that drive innovation in learning and teaching, and advances critical academic priorities that position students for success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Dr. Woods is a prolific scholar who has published over 30 peer-reviewed research articles addressing vital topics including student retention, engagement strategies, customer service excellence, community outreach, and shared governance in higher education. He is co-author of Examining Student Retention and Engagement Strategies at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, an acclaimed study that explores innovative approaches to better prepare the next generation of students for success in today's competitive educational environment. Committed to advancing scholarship across disciplines, Dr. Woods has served on the editorial review boards of five academic journals and as a guest reviewer for numerous additional publications. His leadership extends beyond academia through board membership on four organizations and companies, including the HBCU National Business Deans Roundtable, where he helps shape the future of business education at historically black institutions nationwide.

Dr. Woods's exceptional contributions to higher education and business leadership have earned him prestigious national and state recognition: Mississippi's Top 50 Under 40 Business Leaders — Mississippi Business Journal (2018), acknowledged by Governor Tate Reeves and Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann; Top 40 Under Forty Young African American Business Professionals — The Network Journal, New York (2021); Emerging Leader Fellow — Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (2022); ForbesBlk Member (2023); Mississippi's Most Influential African Americans — One Mississippi Magazine (2024); Marquis Who's Who in America Honoree (2024); Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 40 Under 40 Beta Class Honoree (2024).

Dr. Woods maintains active membership in several prestigious honor societies, including Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society, Sigma Iota Epsilon Management Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Pi Honor Society, Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement Honor Society, and Golden Key International Honor Society.