Jane Wood, PhD

Dr. Jane Wood is the 10th president of Bluffton University, a position she has held since July 1, 2018.14 She holds a Ph.D. and master's degree in English literature from the University of Kansas and a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Missouri.1

Prior to her role at Bluffton, Dr. Wood served as the vice president of academic affairs and dean at Mount Marty College, a Benedictine liberal arts institution in South Dakota.12 Her career in higher education includes experience as a tenured faculty member, department chair, academic dean, and vice president at various institutions including Westminster College, Park University, University of Missouri, and Baker University.1

Dr. Wood has demonstrated success in:

1. Achieving enrollment growth through academic program innovation
2. Leading strategic planning and visioning processes
3. Building relationships for public and private partnerships
4. Implementing Title IX program improvements and diversity hiring initiatives
5. Fundraising efforts

As a committed Christian with a background in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Wood was drawn to Bluffton's Mennonite/Anabaptist faith tradition and its focus on peace and social justice.1 Her leadership at Bluffton University aims to build on existing programs while innovating to create sustainable bridges to the future.1

In June 2021, the Bluffton University Board of Trustees reappointed Dr. Wood for a five-year term, demonstrating confidence in her leadership.4 Her LinkedIn profile can be found under the username jane-wood-phd-5270a110.3