J. Baxter Wood

Baxter Wood graduated from Western Carolina University in 1958. He previously served  our country from 1951-1955 in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He then received his Masters in Education Administration in 1963. Baxter has been an educator his entire life, both professionally and personally. He first began teaching in Alexandria, Virginia, then returned to Western Carolina as the Director of the University Center, retiring after more than 30 years of service.

It was as the University Center Director that Baxter was introduced to Kappa Alpha Order. He served as the founding Faculty Advisor in 1964, when he was also initiated along with the chartering members. Baxter would serve in this role for over 30 years, earning various honors, including induction into the Ed Chambers Smith Province Court of Honor, the dedication of the Baxter Wood Chapter Room, and the creation of the Baxter Wood Family Scholarship Fund (WCU).

He has been a board member for the University Center and for the Catamount Club, the University’s athletic boosters. He has been a Deacon at Cullowhee Baptist Church and served as a Chairman of the Board of Deacon’s. Baxter is a 32nd degree Mason, a 60 year Mason and has served at least 3 times as the Master of the East LaPorte’s Lodge 358.

Baxter is married to Sue, his wife of 58 years. They have a daughter, Deborah, married to Chuck Pressley, with one grandson, Andrew. They also have a KA son, Jim Wood (Delta Alpha – Western Carolina ’81), who is married to Jane.