Interview With : Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood

Luke Wood

Dr. Wood became Sacramento State’s ninth president on July 16, 2023, returning to his alma mater, at age 41, as the youngest person ever to lead the University and the youngest permanent president in all of the nation’s public four-year colleges and universities.

He earned a bachelor’s in Black History and master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at Sac State, then a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education and doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Arizona State.

Dr. Wood served as a professor and administrator, including vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, at San Diego State before becoming Sac State president. He has authored 16 books and published over 180 articles, book chapters, and other scholarly works focusing on racial inequality issues in education. This academic record led him to be named the first Black distinguished professor in San Diego State’s history.

In 2023, Wood was appointed by the California State Senate to serve on the California Racial Equity Commission. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc and an amateur boxer.