University of Alaska Fairbanks Athletics

Wood, who served as University of Alaska president for thirteen years (1960-1973), is recognized for his considerable support of UAF athletics and his contributions to the Alaskan community. He helped open the Patty Center building in 1963, and is responsible for giving endowments for rifle and basketball scholarships. After accepting the University's presidential position, campus growth rose 400 percent.

He also served as a Fairbanks mayor from 1978 to 1980 and was awarded the 1985 Alaskan of the Year Award.

In 1999, the Nanooks acknowledged Wood as their number one fan, when they emblazoned his name and the number one on the wall of the Patty Center gymnasium.