George Woods was an American college administrator.

Although Woods is generally numbered as Pitt's fifth chancellor, he was actually the first head of the university to have the title "Chancellor" as previously heads of the university were referred to as "Principal", a holdover from the institution's academy days.

Woods has been credited with creating the university's endowment, founding the science and engineering programs, and dramatically increasing enrollment.

Although it attracted students from as far afield as Cuba, his institute lacked a sufficient endowment and closed after five years.

In 1859, while serving in his new role at the University of Pittsburgh, a lawsuit involving his dispute with NYA precipitated the split in Yarmouth's First Parish Church.