Sam Woolford

MS 1975, PhD 1979, Statistics
[Nominated by Statistics]

"At Purdue, I learned how to adapt and apply new mathematical and statistical concepts to real-world problems. The Statistical Consulting Center provided me with the skills and the interest to pursue a career in statistical applications."

In business, the numbers tell the story. And Sam Woolford has been sharing his expertise in data analysis and statistical modeling to tell a story of success in an academic and consulting career that spans three decades.

A professor of mathematical sciences at Bentley University, Woolford has been on both sides of the equation. He has spent several years teaching the statistical wizards of the future as a professor and held executive positions for major consulting firms such as KPMG LLP and Abt Associates.

“The faculty in the Purdue Statistics Department provided the foundation of tools and methodologies that I have used throughout my career,” says Woolford, who leads the Center for Quantitative Analysis at Bentley.

For that foundation, he credits his Purdue graduate schooling and participation in its Statistical Consulting Center. There, he gained the skills and interest to pursue statistical applications. Mentors like Professor Prem Puri fostered a drive for excellence and integrity that still guides him today.

“I have used data analysis and statistical modeling to solve complex business problems and support business decisions for hundreds of clients in a consulting career of more than 20 years. This allowed me to take on a series of more senior corporate positions and to build analytic consulting groups focused on management and strategy consulting.”

He also has fond memories of his time at Purdue beyond the classroom — as coach of the Purdue Men’s and Women’s soccer team, helping start the Lafayette Youth Soccer Program and playing squash.
“Some of my favorite memories of Purdue involve the faculty and other graduate students and include the departmental get-togethers and camping trips, The Chocolate Shop and The Pub,” he says.

Education

BS ’73, Applied Mathematics, Brown University
MS ’75, Statistics, Purdue University
PhD, ’79, Statistics, Purdue University

Career highlights

2006-Present Professor, Mathematical Sciences, Bentley University
2007-Present Director, Center for Quantitative Analysis, Bentley University
2003-06 Principal and Director Analytics, Abt Associates Inc.
1999-2003 Senior Manager, KPMG LLP
1998-99 Managing Director, Business Solutions Group
1985-98 New England Strategic Systems Practice Leader, Director, Watson Wyatt Worldwide
1980-85 Managing Director, Worcester Research Associates
1979-85 Professor, Mathematical Sciences, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
1981-82 Fulbright Scholar
1976 Gerald R. MacLane Award (Purdue)