Wood Family (L-R): Sandy, Daniel, Jerry and Jeremy

Sandra A. Wood joined the UA College of Engineering faculty in March 2002. An Alabama alumnus, in 1977 she earned a BS in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, and then pursued graduate study in Mathematics and Physical Chemistry at UAB before obtaining a Masters in Engineering in 1981. Mrs. Wood brought to UA Engineering over twenty years experience as an engineer and scientist encompassing the areas of biomedical materials, construction materials, environmental engineering, project management, technical sales, training, marketing, public relations and research. Her current responsibilities as an instructor in the UA Freshman Engineering Program also include tracking student retention, academic advising, and mentoring.

Mrs. Wood has served as the Alabama student chapter’s faculty advisor since fall 2003 and has also been helping with the ongoing Delta Chi house improvements. Her husband Jerry is a UAB graduate and Delta Chi alumnus (Jacksonville State ‘76), and their son Jeremy (‘05) is a former chapter “B” and current “BB,” while their other son, Daniel, is the former chapter "F" and also a member of the UA football team. “Delta Chi at the University of Alabama is a family affair and this is the way I can be a part of it,” she explained early on to the HBC and ABT. Sandy sees being involved with our students and alumni as a long-term commitment: “When asked by the students to serve as their faculty advisor, I knew it was a personal investment as well as a financial one that was going to last at least until both Jeremy and Daniel graduated - which was 6-7 years away.

As for her goals for the student chapter, paramount are the overall academic standing of the student chapter and increased involvement of the parents, both of which have been on an upward trend. Being both a parent and faculty member, these are things Sandy feels strongly about: “I have had the opportunity to meet, talk and work with more and more Delta Chi parents over the past two years through the house renovation projects and social events. As parents, we feel that it’s important that we continue to be a part of their lives and their support systems even though they are away from home. We also need the assurance that they are in an environment that promotes their well-being while allowing them to experience the rich tradition and campus life of the University of Alabama. The recently completed kitchen renovation and addition of Renea Powell to prepare meals were much needed developments. The current effort by the student chapter and the ABT to acquire a house director is also very significant. Speaking as one, I’m sure all the parents would like to extend their appreciation to the HBC, ABT and supportive alumni for their investment in the Delta Chi House.

Also a firm believer in giving back to her alma mater and community, Sandy is a past president of the Engineering Council of Birmingham (ECOB), capping a 10-year commitment to that organization. She currently serves on its Advisory Board. From 2002-04, she served on the National Board of Directors for the Society of Women Engineers as the Southeast Region Director, and was the 2003 National Conference Committee Education Chair. Mrs. Wood is a Life Member of the Society of Women Engineers and UAB Alumni Association and is a member of the UA National Alumni Association. She is also the recipient of numerous honors and leadership awards, including Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, ECOB 1989 Young Engineer of the Year, and the ECOB 2001 Distinguished Service Award. Leading by example, Sandy promotes the importance of involvement to the Chapter’s students, several of whom have had her as an engineering instructor: “It’s exciting to watch these young men seek and accept responsibility and leadership roles within the student chapter and other organizations across campus. I believe the hard work and enthusiasm of the student members and the continued support of the Chapter’s alumni will both play key roles in the Chapter’s continued growth and development.

An avid Alabama football fan, Sandy also shares a goal common to all UA alumni and students – another National Championship! She can be reached via email at swood@eng.ua.edu or her campus phone at 205-348-3234.