The new director for the Miami University Farmer School of Business Passport, Ryan Family Scholars, and Grainger Scholars didn't have to move his office very far when he took on the role this week.

Alex Wood comes to the Farmer School from his previous role as Assistant Dean of Students. “I was afforded the opportunity to connect with many different students during my tenure in the Office of the Dean of Students and I am excited to utilize those relationship building skills, campus knowledge, and connections to make an impact on not only the Passport students, but the entire FSB community," he said.

“Alex brings extensive experience and a strong student-centered approach to the role. As Assistant Dean of Students in Student Life at Miami University, he led non-clinical case management and the emergency resource network, supporting students through personal and academic challenges and coordinating care across campus,” Jenny Darroch, dean of the Farmer School and Mitchell P. Rales chair in business leadership, said. “What makes Alex such a great fit for this role is not just his expertise, but his compassion, strong Miami network, and genuine care for student success.”

Wood graduated from Miami in 2013 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Speech Pathology. He went on to earn his Master's degree in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor.

After working as a K-12 school counselor for several years, Wood returned to Miami in 2022 as a case manager in the Dean of Students office before becoming an assistant dean in July 2023.

“Alex brings a unique perspective to the Director of Passport, Ryan Family Scholars, and Grainger Scholars role with extensive experience supporting students in crisis and transition both in higher education and in primary and secondary education. He is a tremendous relationship builder with a vast network at Miami built through his work on the Miami University Care Team,” said Chanelle White, Senior Assistant Dean & Director of Divisional Advising.  “Alex will bring tremendous support to students in our Passport, Ryan Family Scholars, and Grainger Scholars program.”

"When I think about the role of Director of Passport, Ryan Family Scholars, and Grainger Scholars, I think about access. Access to information, ideas, experiences, and new people. This role will allow for me to be able to continue to support students from a systemic standpoint while also enhancing student/faculty/staff relationships,” Wood said. “Ultimately, as Director I would love to help develop the next line of leaders in the Farmer School of Business, while simultaneously supporting staff to access their future dreams as well.”

The FSB Passport Program is a comprehensive four-year high-touch student success program for students beginning in their first year on the Oxford campus who have been accepted to Miami University and directly admitted to the Farmer School of Business. During the four-year program, students learn valuable skills related to transitioning to college, personal development, time management, study skills, degree planning, internships, and career development for greater employment opportunities after graduating from Miami. Ryan and Grainger Scholars receive access to the Passport Program as part of their scholarship.