Remembering Dr. Richard W. Woodcock

Dear Texas Woman’s Colleagues,

Earlier this week, we lost not only a friend but also a pioneer in the field of applied psychological assessment, Dr. Richard W. Woodcock.

Dr. Woodcock’s formidable contributions leave a legacy that will continue to positively impact innumerable lives. While best known for his work on testing standards, he has also supported students and academic research at Texas Woman’s. His lifetime of giving makes him the university’s most generous cumulative donor to date.

Dr. Woodcock joined the university in 2015 as a visiting senior researcher. That same year, the Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice was established at Texas Woman’s. His lifetime’s achievements were later memorialized with the naming of Woodcock Hall, located on the Denton campus.

^{Dr. Miller and I unveiled the newly named Woodcock Hall for Dr. Woodcock in May of 2018.}

Dr. Woodcock’s passion, dedication, and innovation led to cutting-edge tools that advanced the assessment of cognitive abilities and achievement, especially for children and adults with learning disabilities or physical impairments that impact learning. Dr. Woodcock developed the groundbreaking assessment for braille skills and invented the first machine to translate typed English into braille. He is renowned for the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery, among his many testing innovations.

Over the years, Chad and I have had the honor and pleasure to spend time with Dr. Woodcock and his family. We will miss his wit and incredible brain! Dr. Daniel C. Miller, professor emeritus and executive director of the Woodcock Institute, shared, “Dr. Woodcock had a profound impact on my career and as a friend, colleague, and mentor. His psychoeducational tests have reached millions of children, and his impact has been immeasurable.” Watch Dr. Miller’s interview with Dr. Woodcock on the institute’s webpage to learn more.

We are proud Dr. Woodcock’s legacy will endure at Texas Woman’s University. The family welcomes donations in Dr. Woodcock’s name to the Richard W. Woodcock Endowment Fund through the Texas Woman's Division of University Advancement.

With a pioneering spirit,

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

Page last updated 3:09 PM, January 4, 2024