Powered by

The Journey To The Big Chair With Louisiana Tech’s Eric A. Wood

Guest Dr. Eric A. Wood, Louisiana Tech
20:56 min watch

Summary

Louisiana Tech Director of Athletics/Vice President Dr. Eric A. Wood sits down with ADU’s Tai M. Brown at the 2023 NACDA Convention to share the story of his career trajectory, which began in compliance and academic services at a time when the majority of ADs came from development backgrounds. Wood explains his commitment to adding tools to his tool belt by seeking out opportunities to learn other units, such as ticketing and external relations, and emphasizes the value of relationships when seeking a chance to sit in the big chair. Wood also explains the development of his department’s philosophy – culture, class and competitive excellence – and how he supports the professional development of the rising stars on his staff.

The conversation is indexed below for efficient viewing (click the time stamp to jump to a specific question/topic).

  • - You started your career in academics and student-athlete services, which was not the traditional route to the AD chair. Did you ever feel that you had to "temper your aspirations" or did anyone ever tell you that that wasn't the way to get the top job?
  • - It's interesting that back then, someone probably told you "This is what the path looks like" but now...
  • - Tell me about your time at UCF; learning from a team and the people that you worked with there to help you get where you are today.
  • - Give me an example of a time when you tapped into the expertise of your fellow UCF Deputy AD Scott Carr.
  • - Tell me about the "value add" that people get when they come to Louisiana Tech to work with Dr. Eric Wood.
  • - How do you handle working with and supporting a rock star administrator who does not want to be an AD one day?
  • - Tell me about the skills that the NCAA Leadership Development programs helped you with and prepared you for.
  • - What were you prepared for when you got to the Big Chair?