June 20, 2001

Dallas Wood named as new
Board of Trustee member

PARAGOULD - As an active military officer in 1973, Paragould native Dallas Wood chose to complete his master's degree at Arkansas State University because he had great respect for the college.

"I chose Arkansas State for a master's program over numerous other leading universities because I have a tremendous respect for what they've accomplished there," Wood said.

Now as a member of ASU's Board of Trustees, Wood will be able to serve the college he respects by offering managerial and fiscal advice.

The retired Army lieutenant colonel, who received 10 decorations of honor during his military career, has been chosen by Gov. Mike Huckabee to replace James T. Pickens on the ASU board. Pickens resigned in order to serve as director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

"I'm very excited about this appointment," Wood said. "I look forward to working closely with Dr. Les Wyatt," president of the university. "I think Dr. Wyatt has done an excellent job of advancing ASU," Wood added.

Wood believes ASU is fortunate have such a "progressive and forward-thinking," president at its helm. The 63 year old said he is looking forward to being part of an effort to continue progress and further doctoral programs at ASU. 

"In addition to academic achievement, it's important to maintain a viable athletic program that's competitive with schools of conventional size," Wood added. "That, coupled with excellent academic standards, makes for a very successful school."

Wood also has a keen interest in ASU's equine program. His hobbies include breeding Tennessee walking and racking horses.

The new trustee said he also hopes to be of assistance in the success of the university's Army/ROTC program.

"I hope to work closely with the professor of military science there," he added. Wood, who retired from the military in 1980 and later founded Dallas Wood Realty in Virginia, moved back to Paragould in 1996. He has a degree in executive management and now is one of five board members who serve overlapping 5-year terms on the ASU board.

Wood has two grown children and is married to the former Kay Ellis of Thayer, Mo.

This article was written by Melanie Burns, and published in The Jonesboro Sun, 6-20-01.

# # #

NewsPage: asunews.astate.edu/newspage.htm  |  Back to TOP  |