Robert Coldwell Wood

Robert Coldwell Wood
2nd United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
In office
January 7, 1969 – January 20, 1969
President Lyndon B. Johnson
Preceded by Robert C. Weaver
Succeeded by George W. Romney
Personal details
Born (1923-09-16)September 16, 1923
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Died April 1, 2005(2005-04-01) (aged 81)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Nationality American
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Margaret Byers Wood
Children Frank Randolph Wood
Frances Wood
Margaret Wood "Maggie" Hassan
Parents Thomas Frank Wood
Mary Bradshaw Wood
Residence Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Alma mater Princeton University
Harvard University
Profession Politician
Awards Bronze Star
Military service
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Sergeant
Battles/wars World War II

Robert Coldwell Wood (September 16, 1923 – April 1, 2005) was an American political scientist, academic and government administrator, and professor of political science at MIT. From 1965 to 1969, Wood served as the Under Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Lyndon B. Johnson, and for two weeks as acting secretary of the department.

After his return to MIT, he directed the Joint Center for Urban Studies at MIT and Harvard. He also had a joint appointment as chairman of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. He served as president of the University of Massachusetts (1970-1977), overseeing expansion of programs, including construction of a campus in south Boston.

Early life and career

Wood was born on September 16, 1923 in St Louis, Missouri, the son of Mary (née Bradshaw) Wood and Thomas Frank Wood. He won a scholarship to Princeton University, interrupting his studies during World War II to serve in the U.S. Army. Wood saw action during Battle of the Bulge, won a Bronze Star, and rose to the rank of sergeant.

After graduating from Princeton University, Wood earned three degrees from Harvard: a master's in public administration, and a master's and a doctorate in government.[1]

Wood taught political science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1959 to 1965. From 1965 to 1969, Wood served as the Under Secretary of the newly created Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In 1968, Wood was awarded the Wiener Medal for Cybernetics from the American Society for Cybernetics. Following the resignation of Robert C. Weaver as Secretary of HUD, Wood served briefly in the position for two weeks before George Romney took office.

Wood returned to MIT, where he directed the Joint Center for Urban Studies at MIT and Harvard. At the same time, he was appointed as head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

From 1970 to 1977 he served as president of the University of Massachusetts. During these years, Wood led the expansion of the university, to include UMass Medical Center in Worcester and its Boston campus. He also played a key role in bringing the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum to its site at Columbia Point, next to UMass-Boston.[1] He also taught at Wesleyan University.[2]

Personal life

Wood married the former Margaret Byers, on March 22, 1952. They had three children, including the actor Frank Wood and the Governor of New Hampshire and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan.[1][3] Wood died from stomach cancer at his home in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 2005.

Publications

Wood's best-known books are:

References

  1. 1 2 3 Sarah H. Wright, "Professor, HUD chief Robert Wood dies", MIT News Office, 6 April 2005, Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ Martin, Douglas (5 April 2005). "Robert Wood, Education Expert, Dies at 81". New York Times. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
Political offices
Preceded by
Robert C. Weaver		 United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
January 7 – January 20, 1969 		Succeeded by
George W. Romney
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