Projects/Programs: UAMS Project SEARCH, AR STEM Coalition STEM Venture Academy, UAMS Serves, UAMS Phenomenal Women, Staff Liaison for DDEI Veterans, Staff, Disability and Diversity Inclusion and Engagement Subcommittees.
Odette Woods, JD, M.Div., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, serves as the Senior Director, Staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DDEI), where her responsibilities include bringing leadership, vision, integrity and a team-oriented philosophy to the diversity and inclusion efforts at UAMS through collaboration and relationship building with internal and external constituents and key stakeholders. Ms. Woods also serves as the DDEI Kindness Champion as a part of the UAMS Spread Kindness Initiative and the DDEI Change Management Practitioner. Prior to serving in the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Ms. Woods served in the UAMS Office of Human Resources as the Senior Director for Affirmative Action, Title IX, Immigration, Diversity and Policy. Ms. Woods is the staff-liaison for the DDEI Veterans, Staff, Disability, and Events subcommittees. Ms. Woods represents the DDEI in its partnership with the Arkansas STEM Coalition’s STEM Venture Academy. She also serves as the business liaison for UAMS Project SEARCH, a program designed to help young adults with developmental disabilities gain employability skills as they seek to secure competitive employment. Ms. Woods is a member of the Arkansas Association of Colleges and Employers and other community organizations. She is an ordained minister, a short-term missionary and a volunteer chaplain. Ms. Woods received her Juris Doctorate with Honors from UALR William H. Bowen School of Law and her Master of Divinity degree magna cum laude from Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary.
“No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what the LORD requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8