About the Woodcock Institute

The Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice (Woodcock Institute) is dedicated to advancing the science and application of contemporary cognitive assessment. The Institute serves as a bridge between rigorous interdisciplinary research and real-world clinical practice, ensuring that developments in neurocognitive science are translated into meaningful, evidence-based solutions.

Rooted in a commitment to scientific integrity and practical impact, the Woodcock Institute brings together professionals across psychology, education, neuropsychology, and related disciplines. Its work focuses on deepening the understanding of how individuals think, learn, and process information, with the goal of improving assessment accuracy, intervention planning, and outcomes across diverse populations.

Our Mission

To advance the field of neurocognitive assessment through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and the dissemination of evidence-based practices that enhance clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for individuals across the lifespan.

Our Vision

To be an innovative leader in advancing neurocognitive research and applied assessment, by supporting transformative research in how cognitive abilities are understood, measured, and applied in educational, clinical, and research settings.

Our Values

Collaboration – Encouraging interdisciplinary perspectives.
Application – Supporting research translated into practice.
Impact – Improving outcomes across the lifespan.

Leadership

The Woodcock Institute is pleased to welcome Dr. Wendi Johnson as Executive Director, effective September 1, 2025.

Dr. Johnson joins the Woodcock Institute from the Texas Woman’s University’s School of Social Work, Psychology, and Philosophy, where she served the last 14 years as Associate Professor, School Psychology faculty member, and Practicum & Internship Coordinator. She is a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Texas, bringing deep expertise and a strong commitment to advancing the Institute’s mission.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Dan Miller for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service, including a decade as the Institute’s founding Executive Director concluding 35 years at Texas Woman’s University. His vision and contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Institute’s foundation and growth.

What We Support

Interdisciplinary Research
We promote collaborative research exploring the cognitive profiles of individuals with diagnosed exceptionalities, including learning disabilities, neuropsychological conditions, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and giftedness.

Advancement of Clinical Assessment Practices
We support the development and application of innovative, evidence-based tools and methodologies that improve the accuracy and usefulness of cognitive and educational assessments.

Applied Evidence-Based Practice
We emphasize translating research into real-world settings, enabling practitioners to make informed, data-driven decisions that improve outcomes.

Why It Matters

Accurate understanding of cognitive functioning is foundational to effective education and clinical care. When assessment is imprecise or outdated, individuals’ risk being misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or underserved.

The Woodcock Institute exists to honor the legacy of Dr. Richard Woodcock through supporting research designed to close the gap between research and practice—ensuring that professionals have access to validated tools, current knowledge, and reliable frameworks. This leads to better identification of strengths and needs, more targeted interventions, and ultimately, improved life outcomes for individuals across diverse populations.

Founder

The Woodcock Institute was established to extend the legacy of Richard W. Woodcock, a leading figure in the field of neurocognitive assessment and co-developer of the widely used Woodcock-Johnson battery of assessments, along with numerous other influential assessment tools that have shaped modern psychoeducational and neurocognitive evaluation practices worldwide.

Built on his decades of contribution to research and applied practice, the Woodcock Institute reflects a continued commitment to advancing how cognitive abilities are measured, understood, and applied in educational and clinical contexts.

A Historic Gift and Enduring Impact

Back in 2015, Dr. Richard W. Woodcock donated approximately $10 million to the university—which was the largest gift in TWU’s history at that time. This transformational investment led to the creation of the Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice, establishing a foundation for innovation in interdisciplinary research, assessment, and clinical application.

Following the initial gift, Dr. Woodcock’s legacy continues to support TWU through the enduring impact of his scholarly contributions and widely used assessment tools.

Learn more about Dr. Woodcock

Page last updated 4:02 PM, May 6, 2026