<< BackTodd Wood, '91
Originally published
in March 2007
Todd Wood: Committed to Carolina
It’s easy to sell something when you believe in the product. Todd Wood, ‘91, is a firm believer in Carolina, and he advocates for the University every chance he gets.
Todd Wood has been involved with the Black Alumni Council since 2004 and served as chair from June 2006 through June 2007. The Elgin, SC, native never had any doubts about coming to Carolina for his education and has since made his association with the University a major part of his life.
“USC was the only school to which I applied,” Wood says. “Although I could have received my degree from another institution, I know that I made the right decision in choosing USC. My best memories of USC are of ‘Club 309’ on the Alpha Hall, having days that started with a 6 p.m. class and discussing ‘big ideas’.”
Staying Connected
Wood sees a continued relationship with the University as something that is not only fulfilling for the individual, but also extremely beneficial to the institution itself.
“The Carolina Alumni Association allows alumni to have a voice in how USC educates future generations of Gamecocks,” Wood says. “There are parts of each graduate’s USC experience that they would wish on someone else and parts that they would not. The Alumni Association allows you to voice what worked about your USC experience and what did not. That, in itself, is enough reason to get involved.”
Wood’s relationship with the Alumni Association came from his desire to give something back after a great experience at Carolina.
“I decided to get involved with the Black Alumni Council and Carolina Alumni Association because of the positive impact that Carolina had on my life,” says Wood. “I had a great experience at USC and was excited about the chance to continue my connection with my alma mater.”
One of his many goals is for the BAC to expand its impact in bringing members to the Alumni Association and students to the University.
“I want the BAC to be an additional resource to Alumni Association members and students,” Wood says “For the Alumni Association, I want the BAC to be a conduit to connect with minority graduates. Also, I want the BAC to help students close the link between college life and life after college by promoting networking between students and alumni.”
Since he has become involved with the BAC, Wood has seen progress in the active recruitment of Alumni Association members and is determined to see those efforts grow.
“The BAC has been pursuing ways to bring more alumni into the Alumni Association,” says Wood. “Specifically, we are beginning by targeting the lapsed members in the greater Columbia area, creating events that help them reestablish their connection to USC. From there, we will expand to additional alumni groups. With regards to the connection with the students, we held our first annual Senior Send Off for students and alumni last year. We are planning similar events/programs to build on that success.”
A Full Slate
When he’s not working, promoting Carolina, or trying to bring more people back to his beloved University, Wood has also been active in many other areas. He is a member of the Stover Middle School Improvement Council as well as the Kershaw County United Way Executive Board, and has served terms as the president of other school improvement councils. He’s also a member of several community boards and organizations. He even found time to run for a South Carolina House District seat.
“I lost twice, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” says Wood.
Wood resides in Lugoff and is employed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina as an information systems client advocate. He and his wife, Nissary, ’92, are the proud parents of four children: Simone, 12; Langston, 9; Thai, 7; and Tres, 6.
His courtship of Nissary also has Carolina written all over it.
“Our initial meeting was when I was on line at the cafeteria and the Dean of Pledges asked that I carry her tray,” Wood says. “However, we didn’t actually speak to each other until we met again at a Russell House party, December 6, 1988, to be exact. We were married at Rutledge Chapel on the Horseshoe and had our reception in the Gamecock room at the Luther Lee building.”
Carolina has certainly made an impression on the life of Todd Wood, and now he is trying to do the same for many others.