Briefly speaking: New leader for Student Affairs

When Fred Wood first came to UC Davis as a community college transfer student in 1978, he couldn't imagine he would still be on campus nearly 30 years later. Today, as the newly appointed vice chancellor responsible for services that support and enhance the student experience, Wood's undergraduate days are far behind him -- but he hasn't forgotten what makes UC Davis "a great place for students."

As Wood grew up in the Bay Area, Davis was, for him, a four-way stop on the way to the mountains. That perspective widened once he was a student on campus.

"What struck me then and continues to strike me now is the campus's dedication to the students," Wood says. "We are very proud of our high level of commitment to our students at UC Davis."

In his new Student Affairs post, he is responsible for many student program and service areas, including health and wellness; Campus Unions and Campus Recreation; enrollment and academic support services; student life; intercollegiate athletics; and Student Affairs fundraising. He oversees a budget of more than $200 million and about 850 employees (excluding students).

'Memorable experiences'

Looking back on his undergraduate days, Wood says particular experiences stand out. Coming to campus as a transfer student, Wood felt that he was jumping in midstream. But getting involved with the chemistry club was a critical step to feeling engaged with his classmates and the rest of the campus community.

"I found a bunch of other really nerdy chemistry students and made lasting connections and friendships," Wood says. "Being part of that club was huge for me."

Through connections in the chemistry club, Wood joined an intramural softball team and he continued to play on it after he returned to campus as a faculty member in 1986. He also vividly recalls hearing Jimmy Carter speak, listening to the bands on the Quad and in Freeborn Hall, and attending Aggie football games.

"Those memorable experiences in college play such an important role in the lives of students," Wood says.

Broad experience

Among his many roles on campus in the past three decades, Wood has been associate dean in the College of Letters and Science and undergraduate instructional coordinator and senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry. He most recently served as the associate vice provost for undergraduate studies and interim vice provost for undergraduate studies.

Given Wood's long history with the campus, he says his new position is a great fit for him and the university. Wood says he is committed "to building bridges and a strong collaborative partnership." One of his goals in his new post, he says, is to "do what I can to ensure that the students reflect the diversity of the state of California. I want to focus on academic preparation and admissions to really create that diversity, and build an inclusive community where everyone feels connected and a part of the place. I think we can do that."