Harold S. Wood (1898-1989), the son of Charles H. and Minnie Tuttle Wood, was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He received his A.B. from Oberlin College in 1923. He married Elisabeth Bartlette Thomas (1900-1988) who was enrolled at Oberlin from 1919-22, and 1923. He did graduate work at the University of Michigan (1925-26), but was to complete an A.M. degree at The Ohio State University in 1937. Wesleyan University (Connecticut), where Wood was employed, awarded him an honorary degree in 1939.

Wood began his career at Ohio State University as a physical education teacher and the Director of Intramural Athletics (1928-37). He rose to the rank of Associate Professor (1934), but left Ohio State to accept the post of Chairman of the Physical Education Department and Director of Athletics at Wesleyan University (Middletown, Connecticut) in 1937. He stayed at Wesleyan until 1944 when Oberlin College appointed him Vice President.

Wood was apparently the first person to hold the title of Vice President (a newly created position) at Oberlin College. His predecessor, William F. Bohn, had been a secretary (1905-13) and assistant (1913-44) to two presidents. Wood also served two presidents, Ernest H. Wilkins (1927-46) and William E. Stevenson (1946-59) during his tenure. His responsibilities at Oberlin were mainly the solicitation of funds, including the raising of funds to erect new dormitories on the growing Oberlin College campus. In addition, he also served on the Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association’s Board of Trustees.

In June 1948, Wood’s four year appointment as Vice President ended by mutual agreement. Wood moved on to become Vice-President at Beloit College (1949).

Harold S. Wood died on August 23, 1989. He is survived by one daughter, Patricia.