About Office of the President
Luke Wood
Dr. J. Luke Wood assumed the presidency of California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) on July 16, 2023, becoming the university’s ninth permanent president. Born in Oakland, California, and raised in McCloud, a small town in Siskiyou County, Dr. Wood’s life story embodies resilience and purpose. A former foster child and transracial adoptee, he grew up in a large foster home that served more than 350 children. He is also a two-time alumnus of Sacramento State, having earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.
Under President Wood’s leadership, Sacramento State has reached historic milestones. The university has been designated a Research II institution, achieved its highest-ever graduation rates, and became the first Black-Serving Institution in the state of California. Enrollment has also surged, with the university welcoming the largest incoming classes in its history.
During his tenure, Sacramento State launched several nationally recognized initiatives, including the nation’s first Black Honors College and the Wileety Native American College—both designed to provide students with enriched, culturally grounded educational experiences highlighting the history, life, and contributions of Black and Native American communities. In partnership with UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, Dr. Wood also helped establish Combat U, the nation’s first university-backed collegiate pathway in boxing and mixed martial arts.
Prior to his presidency, Dr. Wood served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer at San Diego State University. As a faculty member there, his groundbreaking research on student success and equity—particularly concerning men of color—earned him the distinction of being the first Black Distinguished Professor in the university’s 125-year history.
Dr. Wood has authored or edited 16 books and published more than 200 scholarly works. A Critical Race Theorist, his research focuses on racial equity in education, especially regarding community colleges and school discipline practices. His work has directly shaped state policy, informing two key laws: AB 740 (McCarty), which ensures foster children have their attorney and social worker involved in school suspension determinations; and SB 1984 (Weber Pierson), which discourages the use of student transfers to conceal suspension and expulsion data.
Dr. Wood holds a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics and a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from Sacramento State. He also earned 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. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a passionate boxing enthusiast who trains daily and spars regularly.
Division of the President
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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