Dr. Luke Wood is the ninth president of California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State). A nationally recognized scholar on racial equity in education, he has authored or edited 16 books and published over 200 academic works. Prior to his presidency, he served as vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at San Diego State University, where he was named the first Black distinguished professor in the institution’s history.

A proud two-time alumnus of Sacramento State, Dr. Wood earned his bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics and a master’s in Higher Education Leadership. He also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University.

During his presidency, Sacramento State has launched the nation’s first Black Honors College and Combat U, the first university-based pathway into boxing and MMA. Dr. Wood is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and lives with his wife, Dr. Idara Essien-Wood, and their three children.