Kristi Woods

About

Kristi Woods, Ph.D., currently serves as Interim Vice President of Planning and Development at Riverside City College, where she brings a strong record of equity-minded leadership and academic excellence. Since 2017, she has served as Dean of the Division of Languages, Humanities, and Social Science, where under her leadership, the division experienced 30% growth and a significant increase in faculty diversity, with over 60% of new hires being faculty of color. A respected member of the RCC community, Woods is known for her deep commitment to student equity and social justice, playing key roles in initiatives such as the Umoja program and the development of college-wide Student Equity Plans.

Notably, she made history as the first African American to earn a PhD from the University of Southern California’s Department of History. Her longstanding service at RCC and dedication to inclusive leadership continue to advance the college’s mission and impact.

Educational Background

• (PhD) Doctorate of Philosophy in U.S. History, University of Southern California
• (MA) Master of Arts in U.S. History, University of Southern California
• (BA) Bachelor of Arts in History