Washington State College of Ohio President Dr. Vicky Wood is resigning after announcing that she has accepted the presidency of Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. Wood has served as the seventh president of the college since 2017 and helped to expand its degree-granting authority to include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. (Photo Provided)
MARIETTA — On Monday, the Washington State College of Ohio Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of President Dr. Vicky Wood during its regularly scheduled meeting.
Wood announced that she has accepted the presidency of Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C.
Board Chair Tyler Wilcox said, “The WSCO Board of Trustees appreciates the dedication and service Dr. Wood has provided Washington State. Dr. Wood’s exemplary leadership has garnered well deserved recognition for the college on the local, state, and national levels. While it is unfortunate she is moving on, Washington State is a better institution as a result of her extraordinary efforts. Dr. Wood leaves the college in a position of strength which will be advantageous as we begin the search process to find a leader that will continue our mission.”
Washington County Commissioner Charlie Schilling said Wood has done a great job in her role at the college and appreciates the collaboration she has had with the county commission over the last seven years.
Wood has served as the seventh president of Washington State since 2017 and has advanced the college through innovation and collaboration. Under her leadership, the college has demonstrated excellence in academic programs and instruction, as well as increased student access and success.
Wood’s political advocacy, in collaboration with the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, helped gain support for a state policy change and brought about her hallmark achievement, Washington State’s approval to expand its degree-granting authority to include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This changed the college’s mission which resulted in the name change from Washington State Community College to Washington State College of Ohio and positioned the institution to provide increased access to education to support the region’s greatest workforce need.
“Her initiative to transition into being able to integrate a bachelor degree in health care has helped to fill some much needed gaps in our local health care system,” Schilling said.
During her presidency, the college transformed the student experience through the successful implementation of Career Guided Pathways. This accomplishment encompassed the creation of the Center for Student Success to expand support services, including the creation of a food pantry and the addition of mental health services. It also included the creation of a Student OneStop to enhance the student experience throughout the entry phases of enrollment with a focus on career exploration and preparation.
Schilling said Wood has done amazing work with the Washington County Career Center which has helped area youth integrate into the workforce with ease.
Wood’s leadership helped increase the WSCO Foundation’s financial position by over 100% and strengthened the college’s financial position, which resulted in over $4 million in facility and equipment upgrades to support student learning.
“It has been my honor to serve as President of Washington State over the past seven years. I am proud of the incredible work we’ve accomplished,” said Wood. “I take comfort in knowing that I’m leaving the college in a great place with a strong team of people who will continue to lead the institution toward success.”
Wood will maintain her role through June when the board will install an interim president while they work to find her predecessor.
“I wish Dr. Wood the best,” Schilling said.
