Dr. Graham Wood, Coker University

Dr. Graham Wood, professor of music and a native of England, is Coker University’s recipient of the 2020 SCICU Excellence In Teaching award. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in musicology, both from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, and a B.A. in music from University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

With a primary course load including music appreciation and music history, Dr. Wood has developed classes such as Broadway and Hollywood Musicals in the Twentieth Century which is cross-listed in three disciplines: music, theatre, and communication. All of Dr. Wood’s classes focus on providing an environment where students can learn important life skills: clarity of thought, attention to detail, digging deeper to find meaning, and developing a work ethic.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Wood has been the musical director for over thirty musical theatre productions and showcases at Coker working with singers and conducting the orchestra. He has joined students on stage in several theatre productions, with his favorite being the self-centered and vain Malvolio in Twelfth Night. Dr. Wood also plays the French horn in the Coker Concert Band and the graduation brass ensemble, two groups he has performed with since their creation.

Having traveled with students on five study trips to Europe, Dr. Wood believes “there is no better way to teach European musical history than actually walking in streets and attending concerts in the cities where many composers have lived and worked.” An outstanding professor, Dr. Wood is one who is truly dedicated to reflective and exceptional teaching both in and out of the classroom.