About Office of the President
Luke Wood
Dr. Luke Wood serves as the ninth president of Sacramento State. A nationally renowned scholar on racial equity in education, Dr. Wood has authored or edited 16 books and published over 200 articles and scholarly works. Prior to his presidency, Dr. Wood served as the vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and chief diversity officer at San Diego State University. While a faculty member at San Diego State, his expansive research and state policy work on student success and men of color led him to be named the first Black distinguished professor in the university’s 125-year history.
Under Dr. Wood’s tenure, Sacramento State has advanced several notable efforts from its strategic plan. These efforts include the creation of the nation’s first Black Honors College, which provides students with a specialized experience focused on Black history, life and contributions. In partnership with UFC hall of famer Urijah Faber, Sacramento State has also launched the first-ever university-backed collegiate pathway into boxing and mixed martial arts, called Combat U.
In addition to serving as president, Dr. Wood is a two-time alumnus of Sacramento State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics and a master’s in Higher Education Leadership. He holds an additional master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (Higher Education concentration) from Arizona State University. President Wood’s wife, Dr. Idara Essien-Wood, is a tenured associate professor of Early Childhood Development at San Diego State. They have three children. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc.
Division of the President
Connect with the Office of the President
Find Us
Office of the President
Sacramento Hall,
Room 206
Mon – Fri,
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact Us
Phone: (916) 278-7737
president@csus.edu