Fred Wood, who completed his education with the help of financial aid and now oversees student support as vice chancellor for student affairs, has been appointed to the California Student Aid Commission by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The 15-member commission, which works to make postsecondary education financially accessible to all Californians, provides policy analysis and leadership and, with its nonprofit auxiliary, administers more than $2.4 billion in grants and loan guarantees.

“As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, financial aid was crucial in allowing me to complete my college education,” Wood said. “As a commissioner, I will work to maintain the state financial aid programs that play such a critical role in access and affordability in higher education in California.”

Community college transfer

The son of a carpenter, Wood earned an associate in arts degree in physical sciences from Diablo Valley Community College, before transferring to UC Davis, where he received his bachelor’s degree and doctorate in chemistry.

Vice chancellor since 2007, Wood is responsible for services that support and enhance the student experience including enrollment and academic support services, student health and wellness, recreation and athletics.

He has served as associate vice provost for undergraduate studies and interim vice provost for undergraduate studies; associate dean in the College of Letters and Science; and undergraduate instructional coordinator and senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry.

California Student Aid Commission chair Barry Keene said the commission has an ambitious agenda that includes legislative advocacy for college affordability and maintaining important financial aid outreach and counseling programs.

Wood will attend his first commission meeting in November.

More information about the California Student Aid Commission is available at www.csac.ca.gov.