Frederick Woodward

Frederick (Fred) Miller Woodward, 83, died on July 19, 2026 after living with dementia in his later years. He was born on April 15, 1943, in Clarksville, Tennessee, a river town on the banks of the Cumberland. The youngest son of Felix Grundy Woodward and Laura Miller Woodward (nee Laura Henrietta Miller), Fred grew up in a loving family devoted to education and learning.

Fred graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1965, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, before pursuing postgraduate studies at Tulane University. His academic path continued a family tradition. His father, dean of faculty at Austin Peay State University, instilled in Fred an enduring belief in the value of education, inspiring his lifelong dedication to scholarship.

Fred began his scholarly publishing career at the University of South Carolina Press, serving as both manuscript editor and marketing director. Those early roles revealed the breadth of his talents, combining exacting scholarly judgment with a keen understanding of how books could find their readers.

In 1981, Fred was appointed director of the University Press of Kansas (UPK). Over the next 32 years, he guided the Press from a respected regional publisher to one of national distinction. UPK serves Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, Wichita State University, and the University of Kansas.

Among Fred's most enduring contributions was his recognition of what UPK could become. Its political science list had extended little beyond an established series on United States presidents. Fred broadened it to encompass American politics and public life, creating a nationally recognized publishing program. During his tenure, UPK's catalog grew to more than 900 titles in print, with 55 to 60 new volumes published each year. Reviewers placed the Press in the distinguished company of Harvard, Yale, Chicago, Princeton, and Johns Hopkins university presses. Upon his retirement, the Council of Presidents of Kansas's state universities named Fred Director Emeritus of the University Press of Kansas in recognition of his exceptional service.

Fred's commitment to scholarly publishing extended beyond his work at UPK. He served on the Board of Directors of the Association of American University Presses from 1988 to 1991, as its president from 1995 to 1996, and as past president from 1996 to 1997. His respect for history was also reflected in his life membership in the Kansas State Historical Society.

Outside academia, Fred maintained a lifelong love of sports. He played basketball in high school and remained an avid fan, taking particular pride in the University of Kansas Jayhawks and their NCAA championship victories in 1988 and 2008. He learned to water-ski on the Cumberland River alongside friends who competed in the sport. Decades later, when the opportunity arose, he could still demonstrate his skill and impress his children.

Fred later took up racquetball and took pride in his competitive edge, even when the game left its share of bumps and bruises. He was also a surprisingly accomplished Carolina Shag dancer, moving through its steps with confidence alongside his wife, Elizabeth.

An accomplished cook, Fred took as much pleasure in savoring a well-prepared meal as he did in making one. Few things brought him more joy than great barbecue. He traveled hundreds of miles in search of legendary pitmasters and hidden gems, often leading barbecue expeditions with family, friends, and colleagues. His interest extended beyond the meal itself: he spent years studying the history of barbecue and hoped one day to write a book about it.

Fred was a devoted brother to John and David, both of whom predeceased him. The three traveled often together, gathering stories that would be recalled and retold for years. Many centered on their shared frugality, a familiar family joke that carried the warmth of those earlier days.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Laura Garrison and Kate Vanderpool; and his three granddaughters, Claire Vanderpool and twins Lillian and Molly Vanderpool. As a father and grandfather, he passed along the intellectual curiosity and respect for learning that had shaped his own life. His belief in education remained a steady influence throughout his daughters' and granddaughters' lives.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Smoak Woodward, with whom he shared the joy of raising their daughters, Laura and Kate, primarily in Lawrence, Kansas. Fred is also survived by his beloved companion, Susan Bennett, with whom he shared 12 years. High school sweethearts, they reconnected at their 50th high school reunion, beginning a joyful and meaningful new chapter together.

A celebration of Fred's life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.