Biography of Judith Woodsworth
Dr. Judith Woodsworth became President of Concordia University on August 1, 2008, coming back to the institution where she began her teaching and administrative career in 1980.
Prior to her return to Concordia, Dr. Woodsworth was President of Laurentian University in Sudbury and previously held the position of Vice-President (Academic) at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.
Born in Paris, Dr. Woodsworth grew up in Winnipeg. She won a scholarship to McGill University, where she received a B.A. in French and Philosophy. She earned a Licence ès Lettres from the Université de Strasbourg in France, and a Ph.D. in French Literature from McGill.
Dr. Woodsworth’s academic work includes numerous conference presentations and publications in the fields of French literature and translation studies. She is a member of the Literary Translators’ Association of Canada and was founding president of the Canadian Association for Translation Studies. In 1999, she was inducted as an Officer in the Ordre de la Pléiade for her work in promoting the French language and intercultural relations. She has served as President and national Chair of French for the Future / Le français pour l’avenir and Chair of the Board of World University Service of Canada. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, and Montréal International and is also Vice-President of CREPUQ (the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities).
Dr. Woodsworth has served the wider community in many different roles in social, cultural and business organizations. She is a member of the Greater Montreal Centraide Campaign Cabinet for 2010, and member of the Board of Directors of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal for 2010-2011. As a woman leader, she has inspired, influenced and motivated other women to achieve their full potential and make a difference in society. Dr. Woodsworth is a member of the International Women’s Forum, and was recognized as one of Canada’s “Top 100 Most Powerful Women” by the Women’s Executive Network in 2009.
Judith Woodsworth is married to former Journalism professor Lindsay Crysler, and is a proud mom and grandmother.
Related link:
• Concordia President steps down -- NOW, December 22, 2010