STAT mourns the loss and honors the legacy of Virginia Elizabeth Sturdivant Woods, who passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at the age of 97.
Throughout her career, Virginia served Texas students and educators in countless ways. She taught high school chemistry, physics, and biology in Clarksville, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, and Austin; served as a chemistry instructor at Dallas Baptist College; and was science coordinator for Round Rock ISD for 7 years. She then served as Executive Secretary of STAT for 15 years, guiding the organization through years of growth and transition before retiring to care for her sister.
STAT's highest honor, the Virginia Woods Award for Exceptional Contributions and Leadership in Science Education, bears her name in recognition of her extraordinary impact. Since 2008, nine dedicated science education professionals have received the award.
Her enthusiasm for excellence in science education inspired countless students and teachers over the decades, and her leadership made an impact on STAT and the Texas science education community. Her passion lives on in the educators she mentored, the students she inspired, and the community she helped build.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 16, in Pflugerville, Texas. The funeral service will take place Tuesday, June 17, in Round Rock, Texas, followed by a graveside service and reception.
