WSCC President to deliver commencement address at Marietta College

by Tom Perry

Marietta, Ohio (03/30/2023) — Marietta College is pleased to announce Dr. Vicky Wood, President of Washington State Community College, as the College's esteemed commencement speaker for the 2023 ceremony on Saturday, May 6th.

As President, she has advanced WSCC through innovation and collaboration. Under her leadership, the College has demonstrated excellence in academic programs and instruction and increased student access and success.

During her presidency, Washington State transformed the student experience by successfully implementing Guided Pathways. This accomplishment included the creation of the Center for Student Success to expand support services, the establishment of a Student OneStop to enhance the student experience throughout the entry phases of enrollment, and over $4 million in facility and equipment upgrades to support student learning.

"I am excited that Dr. Wood will be our Commencement speaker and that our students, faculty, staff and parents will get to hear her inspirational message," said Dr. Bill Ruud, Marietta College's 19th President. "While leading our local community college, Dr. Wood has also been an advocate for Marietta College and believes strongly in our mission and our role in the community. We enjoy a strong partnership with WSCC, and Vicky is a key reason why that exists."

Dr. Wood's political advocacy and a state policy change brought about her hallmark achievement: WSCC's approval to expand its degree-granting authority to include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This victory changed Washington State's mission and positioned the institution to provide increased access to education to support the region's greatest workforce need.

Dr. Wood is a board member of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Ohio Association of Community College's Leadership Academy. Additionally, she is a member of the Marietta Noon Rotary Club, Frontier Local Economic Development Association, and the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement's Rural Leader Learning Community.

Formerly, Dr. Wood served as provost and vice president of academic affairs and student services at Marion Technical College (MTC). She is also an alum of the prestigious Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence and serves on the Aspen Presidential Alumni Advisory Council.

With more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience, Dr. Wood is a first-generation college graduate who came through the faculty ranks before moving into leadership roles such as Dean and Provost. She holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from The University of Toledo, a master's in education from Bowling Green State University, a bachelor's in education from Ashland University, and an associate in business from Marion Technical College. She and her husband, Rodney, have three adult children: Morgan, Colin, and Ryan.

Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy back in 1797, the College was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,200 full-time students. The College offers more than 50 majors and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. Marietta was selected seventh in the nation according to the Brookings Institution's rankings of colleges by their highest value added, regardless of major.

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Marietta College

WSCC President to deliver commencement address at Marietta College

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