Dr. Richard Wood

University of South Alabama Dean of Libraries Dr. Richard Wood has been elected as general chair of Mobile United for 2011.

Wood joined Mobile United in 1999, and he was a member of the 2005 Leadership Mobile class. Leadership Mobile is a program of Mobile United.

“This program taught me so much, not only about community leadership and servant leadership, but also about the Mobile area,” Wood said.

In 2008, Wood served as dean of the Leadership Mobile class. He has also served as a member, and later co-chair, of Mobile United’s Health Services Task Force. In 2009, Wood served as vice-chair of Mobile United/ Leadership Mobile.

“Mobile United’s Leadership Mobile program is truly exemplary and taught me the value of servant leadership, which I would define as the giving of one’s efforts to meet the needs of the organization and the people it serves,” Wood said. “Servant leadership is about serving, listening, coaching, building community, and authority rather than power or self-aggrandizement.”

Mobile United Executive Director Sandra Forbus said, “Dr. Wood has been a driving force behind several Mobile United initiatives. His unfailing commitment to excellence makes him an outstanding choice for General Chairman, and I look forward to working with him in 2011. He is always a pleasure to work with.” 

Wood received his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. He became USA’s director of Library Services in 1999. In 2001, he was appointed Dean of University Libraries by USA President Gordon Moulton. As Dean, Wood provides general oversight and management of the University Library, the Biomedical Library, USA Archives, the Program for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, and the University’s records management program with Ken Davis.

Prior to joining USA, Wood was director of library services at Sam Houston State University in Texas and The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.

Founded in 1972, Mobile United is dedicated to building an inclusive and prosperous community by deliberating issues and encouraging action when appropriate. Its community roles are encouraging tolerance and inclusiveness, building a unified network, and developing leadership.

Mobile United offers the community a strong, diverse network of interested community servant-leaders. The organization provides an arena for identifying, communicating and addressing relevant issues that will improve or enhance life for all citizens in the area. Monthly General Membership meetings provide an arena for exploring a wide variety of community topics.