Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood has dedicated his career to reimagining education for students who learn differently, establishing himself as a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the social, emotional, and educational experiences of neurodivergent students. He currently serves on the Board of the College Autism Network (CAN) and is the co-chair of the Learning Differences Special Interest Group for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). His chapter on school counseling for students with disabilities was recently featured in the 6th Edition of NACAC’s Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling. His current research explores the emotional experiences of parents of neurodivergent students as they navigate the complex transition to college.

Since rejoining Franklin Academy, Dr. Morris-Wood has led several transformative initiatives, including the revitalization of the Franklin College Connections post-graduate program, the relaunch of Summer at Franklin, and the founding of the Center for Neurodiversity, which provides outreach and programming for students, families, educators, and advocates across Connecticut. Under his leadership, Franklin Academy continues to expand its reputation as a state and national leader in neurodiversity-centered education, with an unmatched four-year college and career readiness curriculum.

Prior to returning to Franklin, Dr. Morris-Wood served as Vice President of Program Development and Global Partnerships and the Dean of Admissions and the Center for College Readiness at Beacon College in Florida. There, he founded the Center for College Readiness, which housed his self-created comprehensive pre-college programs designed for neurodivergent students and their families. In this role, he developed programs that reached students both in the United States and abroad. While at Beacon, he introduced an innovative wrap-around support model that helped raise first-year retention rates above 90%—a benchmark rarely achieved in higher education. He also partnered with high schools to launch one of the nation’s first dual-enrollment programs specifically designed for students with IEPs and 504 plans.

A sought-after scholar and presenter, Dr. Morris-Wood has conducted trainings and keynote sessions on topics including systemic barriers in higher education, specialized transition programming, and retention strategies for at-risk student populations. His expertise in college readiness and transition planning for students with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities has made him a leading voice in shaping inclusive educational practices worldwide.

Recognized as one of the Top 100 Educational Leaders in America by the Global Forum for Education and Learning, Dr. Morris-Wood continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in education. His work reflects a deep belief that strength-based, student-centered learning not only transforms schools but transforms lives.