Dr. William Ranson Wood

Dr. William Ranson Wood. Poet, Educator, Visionary, Statesman, Proud Alaskan. , Dr. William Ranson Wood, born February 8, 1907,came to Alaska in 1960 to serve as the fourth president of the University of Alaska. His innovative leadership transformed a small institution into a multi- campus university of international prominence. Under his stewardship, the University became recognized by the nation and the world for excellence in research and education. , Dr. Wood is known and respected throughout the world. He has served on regional, national and international, commissions, and played a major role in international education and Pacific rim development. He has been commended and honored by U. S. and foreign university, by the Federal government, by other nations and the state of Alaska. , His retirement from the University in 1973 was simply a transition to new leadership roles. He served as Mayor of Fairbanks ; as Executive Vice President and Director of the Fairbanks Industrial Development Corporation; and has served as Executive Director of Festival Fairbanks since 1981. He devoted boundless energy and creativity to the Alaska science and Technology Foundation, to the University of Alaska Foundation, to the Boy Scouts, to the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and to Fairbanks Golden Heart Memorial Plaza - its sculpture, plaques. and Rotary Clock Tower. , His words and ideas have become deeds. Out of his leadership and labor blossomed a year long celebration of Alaska's 25 Anniversary of Statehood, an even that gripped the imagination of Alaskans and focused international attention on Alaska's people, resources, and future. Thousands of residents joined in proclaiming they were 'Proud to be Alaskan,' now a common motto throughout the 49th State. , An invitation from Dr. Wood to President Ronald Regan culminated in the historic meeting of the president and Pope John Paul II in Fairbanks. At Dr. Wood's request, President Reagan participated in an hour - long television documentary, "A Celebration of Alaska Statehood," which was aired throughout Alaska and other states. , Dr. Wood and Dorothy Jane his wife since 1944, have been honored often by their fellow Alaskans. "Dr. William R and Dorothy Jane Wood Appreciation Week" found well wishers from throughout the state and the nation praising Bill and Dorothy Jane, a tribute to the couple stated, "They have established new hallmarks of good citizenship in their nation, state, and community." , This self-style "farm boy," Dr. William Ranson Wood, has continued to make Alaska a better place to live. His knowledge , vision, good sense, experience and generosity have brought to fruition many dreams through many decades. He has helped to shape his city and state into the finest on earth, and , with each of his fellow citizens, he stands. ,

Proud to be Alaskan. - B. G. Olson, 1992

, Dedicated to Dr. Wood, on behalf of appreciative Fairbanks, Alaskans, and Citizens Around the World, by the staff and board of directors of Festival Fairbanks, September 1992