MADISON, TN, August 31, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Lisa Veleka Woodard has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Woodard has established a distinguished career in education, currently serving as assistant principal with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools since 2012. In this capacity, she supports teachers through collaborative planning and classroom observations, conducts teacher evaluations and walkthroughs, manages student placement and master scheduling, leads the AVID program, handles student discipline and parental meetings, facilitates individual educational plans and 504 meetings, implements core subject instruction with fidelity and integrity, builds capacity among school staff and establishes sustainable systems within the school. Her expertise in curriculum and instruction is widely recognized, and she is praised for her ability to build leadership capacity and develop effective systems, qualities acknowledged by her principal as key strengths.

A significant achievement during her tenure as assistant principal has been her instrumental role in repairing community trust at her school following negative police interactions. Dr. Woodard collaborated and worked in tandem with various stakeholders in the establishment of a family resource center that built partnerships with more than 40 local organizations to support families from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries significantly improving the school's reputation. She is most proud of making a difference in students' lives, as evidenced by former students reaching out to her and returning to visit.

Before her current role, Dr. Woodard taught at Ruby Major Elementary from 2005 to 2012. During this period, she instructed students, led professional developments, participated in multiple leadership roles such as principal designee, and contributed to curriculum development while fostering a supportive learning environment for students of diverse backgrounds.

From 1997 to 2005, Dr. Woodard was a teacher in Henry County, where she continued to refine her instructional skills across various elementary grades. Her commitment to student success was evident through her innovative teaching strategies and dedication to academic excellence.

Her career began at Warner Elementary within Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools from 1993 to 1997. There, she laid the foundation for her future in educational leadership by teaching several grade levels and actively engaging with both students, families, colleagues, and the community.

Dr. Woodard's academic background has been integral to her professional accomplishments. She earned a doctorate in ministry, which has informed her holistic approach to education as a form of service and outreach. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from Cumberland University, completed in 2009, which equipped her with advanced skills in school management and instructional supervision. Additionally, she obtained a master's degree in curriculum design from Cumberland University in 2002, further enhancing her expertise in developing effective educational programs. Her academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching from Middle Tennessee State University in 1993.

The influence of Dr. Woodard's family—rooted deeply in education and ministry—has shaped her philosophy as an educator. Her mother's career as a teacher allowed Dr. Woodard early exposure to classroom dynamics, while her father's role as a pastor instilled values of service and leadership. She views education as an extension of ministry: an opportunity to positively impact lives without imposing beliefs.

Dr. Woodard is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Greater Nashville Alliance of Black School Educators, Delta Kappa Gamma Society and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. These affiliations reflect her commitment to professional growth and advocacy for excellence in education.

Her civic engagement extends beyond the school setting. Dr. Woodard serves as minister of music at her church, where she has released original music compositions that enrich worship experiences. Alongside her husband—a musician and deacon who plays drums—she co-leads both marriage and singles ministries at their church, supporting congregants through various life stages. She also served on the board of the Planned Parenthood Pregnancy Center in Paris, Tennessee.

Within the school community, Dr. Woodard played a pivotal role in supporting the family resource center and participating actively in the Parent Teacher Organization to support parents and teachers while gaining ground-level insight into school activities. Her involvement with Community Achieves, a District initiative, underscores her dedication to systems building and leadership development.

Dr. Woodard's contributions have been recognized with honors such as the Rosebud Award and Service Award from Delta Kappa Gamma International Society. She has also authored articles for "Perspective of an Administrator," published by Delta Kappa Gamma International Society. In 2025, she was nominated for "Women Who Rock Nashville" under the category of "Inspiring Arts" for her music.

Born in Nashville, Dr. Woodard is a key element and part of a blended family that includes four children and two grandchildren. She enjoys singing, writing music and playing piano—pursuits that complement her roles both professionally and within her faith community.

Looking ahead, Dr. Woodard intends to continue serving in education because of her enduring passion for making a difference each day. She values the balance her assistant principal position provides, allowing her to maintain instructional leadership responsibilities while remaining active in ministry work—a testament to her lifelong commitment to service through education and faith.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #