Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi is a distinguished mathematician and academic executive with progressive leadership experience in teaching, scholarship, and university administration.
As Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, she oversees academic strategy and quality assurance across the University’s colleges and academic units. She is also a principal advisor on academic matters related to faculty, staff and student development, collaborating with senior academic and administrative leaders, while working with the Academic Senate to advance effective shared governance. Her leadership in crisis response, policy development, and instructional innovation has strengthened academic resilience, and access, while aligning with international accreditation standards.
Dr. Woodside-Oriakhi has led the development of expanded instructional modalities, and strengthened student access to support a thriving academic environment. As a result, the University’s academic resilience, global engagement, and institutional excellence have become more robust.
Since joining the University in 1997 as an Assistant Lecturer, Dr. Woodside-Oriakhi has served as Associate Professor; Chair of the School of Mathematics, Physics and Technology; Assistant Vice-President; and Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs.
She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics from Brunel University, London, UK; a Master of Science (MSc) in Mathematics from the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mathematics from the University of Georgia, Georgia, USA.