Randy M. Wood, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Dr. Randy Wood retired in June 2021 but continues to teach in the Leadership Program half-time. His love of students and developing their leadership skills continues. He feels blessed to have had the opportunity to have worked with such great students for almost 40 years.
Dr. Randy M. Wood has written several books and numerous articles in professional journals during his 35-plus years at Baylor. He directed the Center for Christian Education for 24 years and still works extensively with private, Christian schools across Texas. In 2006 he was named the Educator of the Year by the Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools. In 2007, Dr. Wood was selected as one of 14 Difference Makers by the Waco Tribune-Herald. Golden Key International Honour Society has also recognized Dr. Wood as Advisor of the Year, and he has received several awards related to his work with literacy. He chaired a committee to develop literacy initiatives in all 345 U.S. Golden Key University Chapters for the 2007-08 school year.
Over 16 years, Dr. Wood worked in the School of Education to develop a nationally recognized site-based program at Cesar Chavez Middle School. His work there was a part of the new teacher preparation program at Baylor that placed students in schools as early as their freshman year. These Professional Development Schools help prepare student to be excellent teachers for the schools of tomorrow through dynamic contact with students under supervision. This work has been multifaceted. After-school student tutoring in math and English/literacy have been a creative part of this work that began at Cesar Chavez Middle School and expanded to University Middle School, Brazos Middle School, Tennyson Middle School, and Lake Air Middle School. Another significant part of his work has been the creation of an adult literacy program called LEAF (Learning English Among Friends) at Cesar Chavez Middle School.
For several summers Dr. Wood partnered with Dr. Trena Wilkerson, School of Education mathematics professor, in creating a summer camp program called HOT TAMaLE that met technology, art, math and literacy needs for students in grades 1-8. He also developed and taught the only international course for master’s and doctoral students in Curriculum and Instruction in Italy, which is still an exciting and inspirational educational experience. He has been the advisor for Baylor's Club Baseball team and continues as the advisor for Theta Kappa Chapter, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
For the past 10 years, Dr. Wood has been teaching in the Leadership Minor in the School of Education. His work has included classes in Leadership theory, vocational development, and medical leadership. He has also led a three-week overseas experience in Costa Rica during the Wintermester which has helped men in Greek organizations see the value of serving through English language development and community service.