Woody R. Clermont pursues 11th degree focused on homelessness

Haitian-American author and community servant Woody R. Clermont is pursuing a doctorate at City Vision University, centering his research on how faith-based groups can better serve people experiencing homelessness in South Florida. The move extends a nearly 40-year academic path that has also brought him new book awards in 2026.

Why it matters: - Clermont's research could help faith-based nonprofits and rescue missions improve services for people experiencing homelessness in South Florida. - The project connects academic study with practical community challenges, including addiction, instability, unemployment, and social isolation. - Clermont's work also highlights the role of higher education, faith, and service in long-term community leadership.

What happened: - Woody R. Clermont is pursuing his eleventh academic degree, a Doctor of Organizational Leadership and Innovation at City Vision University. - His doctoral focus is the intersection of faith, nonprofit leadership, organizational innovation, and homelessness. - Clermont completed his tenth degree, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University, in summer 2026. - He graduated with distinction after earning a perfect 4.0 GPA across 36 credits. - Clermont is based in Broward County, Florida, and describes himself as a Haitian-American author, educator and community servant.

The details: - Clermont's academic record spans nearly four decades. - His credentials include two associate degrees, three bachelor's degrees, four master's degrees and a Juris Doctor. - His degrees include study in computer science, mathematics, business, political science, economics and data analytics. - Clermont graduated from Regis High School in New York City in 1988. - Regis is a tuition-free Jesuit school with a selective admissions process that includes an entrance exam and multiple interviews. - The school currently ranks No. 1 among Catholic high schools in America according to Niche.com. - Clermont said Regis taught him that education is about developing discipline, responsibility and the tools to serve others. - Clermont attends New Mount Olive Baptist Church and previously took part in prison ministry there. - He is a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. - He is also involved with Kiwanis International and the Circle of Brotherhood. - Clermont has authored more than 40 books through Woody Clermont Book Publications. - In 2026, two of his books won Regal Summit Book Awards: A Lack of Medical Ethics in the History category and The Negro from Nazareth: What Would Jesus Do? in the Non-Fiction category. - The International Impact Book Awards named Clermont a Laureate/Distinguished Author for The Fractal Self: A Framework for Distributed Identity and Shared Consequence. - That honor will be recognized at the Impact Author Festival and Gala Weekend on January 30-31, 2027, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona. - Clermont won a Bronze Medal in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category for Thirteen: The City of Thorns at the 2026 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards on August 1, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace.

Between the lines: - Clermont is using another degree pursuit to turn long academic experience into community service outcomes. - His mix of theology, public service and literary work suggests a broad approach to leadership rather than a single professional lane. - The recognition for both nonfiction and fiction points to unusually wide-ranging interests and output.

What's next: - Clermont's doctoral research will continue under City Vision University as he studies how faith-based organizations can strengthen homelessness services. - His stated goal is to produce research that helps organizations respond more effectively to homelessness. - Clermont's 2027 author recognition will be celebrated at the Phoenix festival and gala weekend. - More information is available on the author's website.