Robert Wood will be the next director of the School of Allied Health Sciences. Wood will begin the directorship at the end of July. Wood comes to Boise State from New Mexico State University where he has been a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Dance. He served as the department’s academic head from 2009 to 2017.
“We are excited to have Dr. Wood join us as director of the School of Allied Health Sciences,” said Tim Dunnagan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “In addition to his leadership experience, he brings enthusiasm and a passion for supporting the success of faculty, staff and students. He will be a great asset to the college.”
Wood earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education from the State University of New York – Cortland and both his master of science degree in health, physical education, recreation and dance and his doctorate in kinesiology at Louisiana State University. He has been a faculty member at Louisiana State and Husson University prior to New Mexico State and worked as a clinical exercise physiologist at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center before teaching in higher education full time.
Wood’s research interests relate primarily to aging, physical function, and disability. In addition, he has a particular interest in the aging of the autonomic nervous system and its relationship to functional decline in late life. His research has been supported by a number of federal agencies and private foundations including the National Institute on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“I am very excited to join this talented group of faculty, staff and students in the School of Allied Health Sciences,” said Wood. “Access to excellent healthcare and disease prevention is among our greatest needs and responsibilities. I look forward to the challenges ahead.”