William Woods President to step down after 31 years

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett announced today that she will step away as president of William Woods University on Dec. 31, 2021.

“Being a university president brings with it many challenging decisions. Today, I announce the toughest decision I have ever made at this institution,” said President Barnett. “After 30 years as president of William Woods, I have decided it is time to pass the gavel.”

As Dr. Barnett prepares to leave at the end of this year, she will leave with such milestones as:

• the longest-serving president in university history
• first female to hold the position.
• the longest-serving female president of a four-year college or university in Missouri history, and
• is currently serving the second-longest active tenure of any four-year college or university president in the state.

“Our university is in a good place to transition to a new president, thanks to the commitment of countless quality individuals I have had the pleasure of working with over these many years,” said President Barnett. “We have achieved many great things together, and I cannot adequately express the appreciation, honor and privilege I feel from being a part of the William Woods community for 48 years.”

The university will be announcing a presidential search committee, the first at WWU in more than three decades, in the coming days.

Dr. Barnett has been the president of the university since 1990.