Dr. Wood possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in higher education administration, as well as a deep understanding of spiritual integration in healthcare. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives demonstrates her compassionate vision for a world without boundaries which is why her altruism is highly valued by the Kenner University community.

Dr. Kathy Wood has been in higher education for over 40 years and is currently a Sr. Academic Program Director for the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, overseeing the master’s in health administration, Doctor of Education, and post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. She serves as the co-director of interprofessional education and is on the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access IDEA team. Her research efforts include the healing nature of spirituality in healthcare and how chaplains help to achieve excellent patient outcomes as part of the interprofessional care team.

Dr. Wood is a Fellow with the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), a Fellow with the Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and holds certifications as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), Everything DiSCâ, and Diversity and Inclusion Yellow Belt Certified through the Six Sigma Global Institute (SSGI).

In addition to her higher education, Rev. Dr. Kathy Wood is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ, Southern Conference, and Western NC Association. She is the senior pastor of a virtual church, Meandering Ministries, and is active on TikTok and other social media sites. She has a passion for Social Justice, particularly with the LGBTQIA+ and elderly. She has a heart for inclusivity and is involved in many faith and non-faith-based discussions in her local area involving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.