R. Wayne Woodson is an educator, consultant, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. He serves as Managing Partner & CEO for Woodson and Associates, Executive Director of The Woodson Foundation, Owner of RWYN Apparel, and Editor in Chief of RWYN Magazine (Launching May 2021). His work focuses on education, leadership training, Black culture, and history.
As a highly sought-after consultant, his primary areas of specialty are fundraising, marketing, institutional effectiveness/strategic planning, leadership training, and enrollment management. Mr. Woodson came to higher education after years of work in the non-profit sector as a fundraiser and administrator. His research centers around Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Black male student success, and leadership. He continues to provide consulting services to higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and corporations.
Mr. Woodson received his undergraduate education at the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, which culminated in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Voice Performance and Choral Conducting). He has done graduate study in voice performance at New England Conservatory and graduate study in choral conducting at the University of South Florida. Woodson earned a Master of Music degree in choral conducting at Georgia State University with Deanna Joseph and the Artists Diploma in orchestral conducting with Michael Palmer. His Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership research focus was the impact of financial aid on the persistence of Black males at HBCUs.
As the Great Grand Nephew of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the pioneer of African American studies and labeled the “Father of Black History”, Woodson has dedicated himself to educating the public on the contributions of African Americans. He is also a national spokesperson for educational access for underrepresented populations. He believes that quality education should be available and affordable to all because education is a crucial component to the revitalization of urban communities and the upliftment of the next generation.
