CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University continues to expand its education initiatives with the creation of the Vice President for Innovation and Workforce role, which has been filled by CU alum and Campbellsville local, Andy Woods.
Having previously served as the Associate Vice President of Operations at Campbellsville University, Woods is prepared to assume the important role of innovation and workforce.
Woods shared his enthusiasm in taking on this new role, “I am beyond excited to return to Campbellsville University. As a two-time CU graduate and former employee, this university holds a special place in my heart. As a young man, the Lord used the faculty, staff and students at CU to shape me, disciple me and teach me how to lead. It is humbling to return and serve the university that has given so much to me.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Hopkins, the Cabinet, faculty, staff and coaches as we serve our students and prepare them for lives of meaningful work, leadership and service.”
This newly formed position will help place CU for long-term sustainability and regional impact by identifying emerging educational opportunities, expanding workforce-ready programs, strengthening partnerships and exploring new approaches to educational growth and presentation.
In this role, Woods will focus on two primary areas: Institutional Innovation & Strategic Growth and Workforce Development & Employer Partnerships. The VPIW position is a growth-oriented role pushing innovation and operational efficiency forward together to scale sustainability. Along with building certificates, credentials and upskilling pathways with regional employers, Woods will be looking across the institution for efficiencies and opportunities.
CU is already home to many workforce development programs that prepare students with the skills and certifications they need to build careers. Welding, HVAC, barbering, cosmetology and EMT are just some of the certificates CU offers, with more planned for the future.
With decades of experience in innovation, Woods has led several projects with Amazon. In his role as Operations Engineering Vendor Manager and operated the Contract Deployment Engineer program. He has applied innovative strategies to guide extensive continuous improvement initiatives, automation planning and operational enhancements.
At CU, Woods will use his experience to identify new and upcoming academic trends and alternative pathways for attaining a degree. This will CU at the forefront of innovative techniques that will always prioritize the CU mission and its students.
“We are delighted to welcome Andy Woods back to CU. His rich experience as a leader in optimization, innovation, and program management at Amazon will be of tremendous value. His heart for our Christian mission, students, this community, and the legacy of CU give me confidence that he will make a profound impact on our future,” said CU President Joe Hopkins.
Woods is a 2002 graduate of Campbellsville University with a Bachelor of Science in Educational Ministries. In 2025, he also earned his Master of Business Administration from CU.
In addition to Amazon, Woods has been employed with Blevins Construction, Bluegrass Cellular, Pro Services Construction and Kentucky Heartland Outreach.
Woods serves as lead pastor of South Church in Campbellsville, Ky. His ministry experience also includes serving churches across Kentucky including Friendship Baptist Church (Campbellsville), Pleasant View Baptist Church (Waynesburg), and First Baptist Church (Middlesboro).
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs, including doctoral, master's, bachelor's, associate and certificate programs. For complete information, please visit www.campbellsville.edu.