Sandra Woodley

Dr. Woodley began her tenure as the President of The University of Texas Permian Basin on July 1, 2017. A role model for non-traditional students, she completed her education while also working full-time and raising her children.  It would take her 10 years to become the first person in her family to graduate from college.

She brings decades of higher education experience in executive positions in five states.  She served as vice president for strategy and finance in Alabama, Kentucky, and Arizona and as vice chancellor for strategic initiatives for The University of Texas System in charge of strategic planning and policy research. 

Prior to becoming president, Dr. Woodley served as the chief executive officer for the University of Louisiana System where she led one of the nation’s largest higher education systems, which serves 90,000 students at nine universities. She worked with the state’s governor and legislature, the system’s Board of Regents, as well as campus presidents and members of the public on matters of higher education policy.

A graduate of Auburn University, Dr. Woodley earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration, where she majored in finance and economics. She also holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree in management from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Woodley is a native of Weaver, Alabama, and is married to Stan Woodley. Her family includes three grown children, three grandchildren, and a German Shepherd named Jett.