Jim Woodell helps higher education institutions demonstrate their value to economic and societal growth within their communities and regions. Jim’s 30+ year career has spanned multiple areas. As vice president for economic development and community engagement at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), he led national initiatives to foster university-based economic development and improve outreach and engagement. His higher ed experience also encompasses leadership roles in digital education, e-learning, and media production. A sought-after speaker and writer, Jim holds a Ph.D. in higher education policy from Penn State, as well as degrees from Harvard University and Syracuse University.