David Goodman named Woods College dean

Boston College has named David Goodman, associate dean for strategic initiatives and external relations in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, as dean of the Woods College of Advancing Studies, effective August 1. He succeeds former dean Karen Muncaster, who retired in December.

Prior to working in the Lynch School as associate dean and director of the Center for Psychological Humanities and Ethics, Goodman served as associate dean of academic affairs and advising from 2014-2018, and as  interim dean of the Woods College from 2018-2019.

A highly respected clinical psychologist, administrator, and faculty member who has taught at the Woods College, the Lynch School, and the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, as well as at Harvard Medical School, Lesley University, Regis College, and Azusa Pacific University in California, Goodman brings to the position a clear understanding of the Woods College’s distinctiveness and a desire to enhance and expand its academic programs to meet the ever-evolving needs of non-traditional students.  

Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley cited Goodman’s extensive administrative experience and strategic vision in continuing and professional studies as key strengths that will assist him in leading the Woods College as dean.

“David Goodman possesses a deep knowledge of the Woods College, and he is passionate about its students and programs,” said Quigley.  “He has articulated a compelling vision for its future, and I look forward to working closely with him as he moves back to St. Mary's Hall South.”

Goodman said he was pleased to assume the Woods deanship and to build on the strength and momentum that exists within the school.

“After joining the Woods College as an administrator and teacher, I became enamored with Woods’s students, its mission, and its commitment to providing lifechanging education for adult-learners,” said Goodman.

“The stories that come out of St. Mary’s Hall South are some of the most inspiring I have ever heard. They are stories of compassion, dedication, and resilience in the face of adversity. It is an honor to play a small role in those stories and, after being away for the past five years while working with my wonderful colleagues at the Lynch School, I am overjoyed to return to the Woods community as dean. It is a true homecoming, one for which I am deeply grateful and incredibly excited.”

While interim dean at the Woods College, Goodman developed programmatic offerings that capitalized on staff strengths and market needs to serve students in undergraduate, graduate, certificate, professional development, and executive education programs.  He also developed successful strategies for creating online courses and degree opportunities in collaboration with campus partners. As associate dean, he helped to launch new graduate programs, vastly expanded online and hybrid course development, and improved academic advising and student support initiatives for Woods students.

More recently, as associate dean in the Lynch School, he worked closely with Charles F. Donovan, S.J., Dean Stanton Wortham to develop and implement a strategic plan for the school and provide innovation leadership in establishing new programs—from online courses to professional development opportunities.

“The future of the Woods College is exceptionally bright,” said Goodman. “It is my hope that the school will soon be recognized as an academic ‘maker space’ on campus—providing an innovative and collegial environment in which faculty and students are invited to explore new programmatic opportunities and modalities. In today’s ever-shifting higher education landscape, it is critical for the University to have a space dedicated to cross-institutional initiatives and partnerships.

“One of the hallmarks of the Woods College is its cross-professional and interdisciplinary approach to continuing and professional education. Woods is thus well-equipped to work with other schools on campus to develop substantive, engaging, and meaningful collaborations that will benefit current and future students alike. I truly believe the Woods College can and will become the premiere continuing and professional studies school in the Jesuit network.”

A graduate of Azusa Pacific University, Goodman received a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and master's and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology.  He is the author of multiple scholarly books and journal articles and has done extensive editorial work, including overseeing two book series: Psychology and the Other and Essays in the Psychological Humanities, which highlight creative work at the intersections between psychology and the disciplines relevant to the human psyche.

He is past president of the American Psychological Association’s Division 24, and the Society for Theoretical & Philosophical Psychology.  He and his wife, Katie, are the parents of four children: Levi, Sienna, Eva, and Joshua, and enjoy cooking with family and friends, discovering new cuisines, and exploring new places domestically and internationally.

“When I joined the Boston College community 10 years ago, I could not have imagined the ways my life would be transformed by the University’s mission and ethos,” said Goodman. “During the past decade, I have grown intellectually, morally, and most importantly, spiritually, and that growth can be attributed in large part to the relationships I have formed as a member of the BC family. This institution is truly a formative place and I feel humbled and honored to serve in a leadership role at such a remarkable University.”

Quigley thanked Interim Dean Akua Sarr for her efforts in leading the school during its leadership transition. 

“The Woods College community, and all of us at Boston College, have benefited from Akua Sarr's tenure as interim dean this semester,” said Quigley. “I am grateful for her service.”