ABOUT DR. LUKE WOOD

Dr. Luke Wood stands at the intersection of education, equity, and empowerment — leading Sacramento State into a new era of transformation. As president of the region’s largest and most diverse university, he has become one of California’s most influential voices for educational justice and opportunity.

A proud Sac State alumnus, his presidency has redefined what it means for a public university to be rooted in community. Under his leadership, Sac State became California’s first Black-Serving Institution and launched the nation’s first Black Honors College — a model of culturally grounded excellence that centers Black history, scholarship, and identity as engines of success.

Wood’s approach to higher education blends academic rigor with empathy, strategy with human connection, and vision with accountability. To him, the measure of a university’s greatness lies not in prestige but in its ability to transform lives and uplift the communities it serves.

Wood’s influence extends far beyond the walls of Sacramento State. He is positioning the university as a central force in the capital region’s growth — bridging education, innovation, and community development. Through his leadership, Sac State is deepening its role as the city’s university, driving partnerships that strengthen the local economy, expand opportunity for Black and underserved communities, and shape the next generation of civic and regional leadership. Under his stewardship, the campus has become not only a place of learning but a cornerstone of Sacramento’s future.

ON LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE

What does “Black Power and Influence” mean to you?
To have power and influence means to have a responsibility to the community. As a public servant, the State of California has entrusted me with the leadership of Sacramento State — more than 31,000 students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and 300,000 alumni. My responsibility is to ensure we are creating educational opportunities that allow students to transform their lives and achieve social and economic mobility. Power and influence only matter when they are used for the good of the people.

Leadership Lesson:
The mark of a great leader is the ability to see bridges where others see walls. True leadership requires vision — and the courage to turn difficult situations into opportunities for community impact.

Who inspires you most and why?
I’ve been blessed to have many mentors, but one of the most influential was my sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Guggenheimer. Before his class, I had been suspended 42 times and hated school. He saw potential in me that I couldn’t see in myself and invested the time to help me discover it. That experience shaped how I lead — by believing in others, especially when the world doesn’t.

What are the biggest opportunities you see for Sacramento’s Black community in the years ahead?
Sac State’s growth as the city’s university means Black students have access to an institution they can call home. Their success will ripple into the region — economically, culturally and socially. That kind of shift changes what’s possible for all of us.

ON EVERYDAY LIFE

Song/Artist On Repeat: Lecrae — Christian rap with meaning and message.

Recharge Ritual: Boxing workout to clear the mind.

Weekend in Sacramento: At a Sac State football game or watch-party with community and family.

Hidden Passion: Playing guitar and piano in his office to ground his day.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our “Onyx 25” sponsors for their generous support: