Colorado Christian University Mourns the Passing of Robert Woodson Sr.

Posted on May 21, 2026

Colorado Christian University Mourns the Passing of Robert Woodson Sr.

LAKEWOOD, Colo. - Colorado Christian University (CCU) mourns the passing of Robert Woodson Sr., an influential civil rights leader, community reformer, author, and longtime friend of the University, who passed away May 19 at the age of 89.

Woodson was widely respected for his decades of work championing neighborhood-based solutions to poverty, addiction, violence, and hopelessness through faith, personal responsibility, and community leadership. As founder of the Woodson Center, he became one of the nation's leading voices on human dignity, empowerment, and restorative community renewal.

Woodson shared a deep and longstanding relationship with CCU and the Armstrong family. He served on the University's Board of Trustees, received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from CCU in 2010, and was honored with the University's highest distinction, the William L. Armstrong Award, in 2024. The Armstrong family, in partnership with the Centennial Institute, also had the privilege of filming an extensive oral history interview with Woodson in 2024 to preserve his reflections on faith, leadership, community renewal, and public service for future generations.

"Bob was a legendary figure who transformed the lives of thousands of people in cities across America and touched our hearts deeply with his common sense, compassion, and faith," said Wil Armstrong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Colorado Christian University. "While we mourn his passing, we are filled with gratitude for his extraordinary legacy."

Armstrong added, "He worked closely with my father, former CCU President and U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong, 40 years ago on landmark legislation to empower inner-city housing residents to manage and own their communities. He approached such challenges by identifying those suffering the problems, involving them in the solution, and focusing on what works rather than just diagnosing what's wrong. Bob and Ellen Woodson have remained dear friends of our family ever since."

CCU President, Eric Hogue reflected on Woodson's enduring impact on the University, community, and the nation.

"Robert Woodson was a courageous moral voice whose life's work reflected the very best of principled leadership, compassion, and human dignity," Hogue said. "At a time when our culture increasingly encourages division, dependency, and grievance, Bob consistently called people toward responsibility, restoration, faith, and hope. He understood that lasting transformation does not come primarily through government programs or political rhetoric, but through strong families, faithful communities, local leadership, and individuals willing to invest in the lives of others."

Hogue continued, "Bob believed deeply in the God-given dignity and potential of every person. He challenged America to move beyond rhetoric and invest in people, families, and communities with truth, accountability, and hope. He had a unique ability to identify those closest to the problems, involve them in the solution, and focus on what actually worked to restore lives and strengthen neighborhoods. His wisdom, humility, and moral clarity left a profound impact on Colorado Christian University, and his legacy will continue to inspire our students to lead lives marked by courage, conviction, compassion, and service to others."

Born in Philadelphia in 1937, Woodson served in the United States Air Force before earning degrees from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he worked with organizations including the NAACP and the National Urban League before founding the Woodson Center in 1981.

Woodson received numerous national honors during his lifetime, including the MacArthur Fellowship, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the Bradley Prize.

His enduring legacy lives on through the countless lives, communities, students, and leaders he influenced through a message rooted in faith, dignity, responsibility, and hope.