R. Wayne Woodson, Chief Executive Officer

R. Wayne Woodson considers himself a serial entrepreneur. As a consultant, writer, speaker, educator, and business owner, he impacts numerous industries. R. Wayne serves as CEO for Woodson & Associates, Executive Director of The Woodson Foundation, and CEO of RWYN Incorporated.
 

As a highly sought-after consultant, his primary specialty areas are fundraising, enrollment management, institutional effectiveness/strategic planning, and leadership training. R. Wayne 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, leadership, and fundraising. He provides consulting services to higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and corporations.
 

In addition to his consulting practice, R. Wayne recently expanded RWYN to include several divisions. RWYN Apparel, RWYN Candles, RWYN Event planning and RWYN Media. The Media Division oversees the production and dissemination of R. Wayne's podcast and various shows. Although working in talent management for over 15 years, R. Wayne recently relaunched RWYN Creative Management, for which he serves as CEO and Executive Manager.

R. Wayne received his undergraduate education at the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, culminating 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 and the Artists Diploma in orchestral conducting from Georgia State University. His Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership research focused on 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," R. Wayne has dedicated himself to educating the public on the contributions of African Americans. He is also a national spokesperson for educational and professional access for underrepresented populations. He believes that opportunities are the gateway to life success.