Robert Wood III transferred directly from Walters State to the East Tennessee State University Pharmacy School in fall 2008. With him went a resume filled with experiences and achievements.

Wood was one of three students to receive the college’s highest honor, the President’s Outstanding Student award, in 2008. He served as president of the student body, was part of a very competitive debate team and won one of the college’s first International Study Abroad Scholarships. His proficiency and passion for science yielded him the 2008 Chemistry Student of the Year.

“One of the major contributors to my success is the one-on-one attention students receive as a result of small class sizes and daily contact with professors. The professors here also function as mentors,” Wood said.

“The pharmacy school personnel I interviewed with held Walters State in highest regard because of the reputation of the professors and successful alumni. Many students from here have transferred directly to pharmacy school and excelled.”

Wood worked as a lab assistant under Dr. Lawrence Kennard, a chemistry professor. Dr. Kennard then offered him the chance to teach science courses to middle school students through the Talented and Gifted Program. That led to a summer job teaching the science section of crime scene investigation during camps. He also teaches ACT preparation courses to high school students.

“I know I would not have had all the opportunities I’ve had if I had gone to a larger, four-year college,” Wood said.

Wood said another benefit was the low cost. Combining scholarships and financial aid, he was able to complete his first two years of college for free.

“If I had not come here, I would have had to worry about working and having enough money. This way, I was able to immerse myself completely into the college experience, both in the academic and extracurricular realms.”

Wood’s position as SGA president put him on several vital college committees. That gave him an insider’s view of the college.

“At meetings, people always wanted my opinion first because I represented the students. Administrators sincerely valued our interests and concerns. I know how much energy and support administrators and faculty members put into their work.”

Wood also served as vice president of leadership for Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. He was communications officer for the Science Club. A science presentation earned him first place in the microbiology section at the Tennessee Academy of Science’s 2008 Annual Forum.

Learn about other students who invested in themselves