WC NEWS

It was a decision 23 years in the making when community leader and orthodontist Dr. Steve Wood decided to go back to college to learn about cybersecurity. 

Y2K and the fear of no computers kickstarted his high-tech hobby when there was only one computer shop in town and everyone was worried about computers shutting down. 

“So, I started learning with my server and network,” he said. “From there, I started looking for classes online, and I came across what was called computer security. I started doing websites, computer security and IT. I got more into computer security 10 years ago before the pandemic started.”  

Wood had heard that Weatherford College offered a cybersecurity course, but any plans of registering for classes were derailed when his practice shut down for three months during the pandemic. A couple of years later, Wood saw an ad for a cybersecurity class on the college’s digital sign while driving by campus. 

“I was driving the traffic circle, and on the marquee—the timing was perfect—was the sign to register for cybersecurity,” he chuckled. “I drove around the traffic circle a couple more times to get the information. The next day, I contacted the college and began the process of going back to school. 

“When it came to submitting transcripts. I was like, ‘Well, which school?’ and they said, ‘Well, all of them.’” 

Gathering those transcripts turned out to be a mighty feat. Wood’s education began on a swimming scholarship at Auburn University in the early 1980s. The Parker County native started swimming at age 8 “because his brother and sister were doing it” and “to help get over my fear of the water.” 

That tenacity propelled Wood to become an All-American swimmer who qualified for the 1980 and 1984 USA Olympic Swimming Trials. 

After Auburn, Wood received his dental surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia, then attended the University of Maryland’s dental school for orthodontics. After he obtained his transcripts from all his universities, he registered just in time to start class. 

“Adam Finley, executive dean of student services and admissions, was instrumental in my matriculation success,” he said. “I had so much to learn in the application process and emailed him numerous times to get everything in order. He was my champion in this process, and I’m very thankful for his assistance.” 

After registration was completed, the real challenge began when he realized he wasn’t prepared to be a totally online student. After figuring out how to navigate the online course world, Wood had to learn how to study again while running a practice and having a family. He said it’s been an eye-opening experience. 

“It took me a couple months to get into a routine,” he said. “When I introduce myself in class, I tell kids I would use a punch card when I worked on a computer in 1981 and 1982. Most IT people don’t know what that is. 

“The weirdest thing going back for me was the lack of a hard copy book. Throughout my post-grad education and high school years, I always had a book. I found a book in my summer classes and would go to it when my eyes couldn’t deal with the computer monitor.” 

Two years in, the WC classes have taken his cybersecurity hobby to a new level. 

“There is a lot more depth in what I’ve been learning,” Wood said. “I tease my wife that I’m such a closet geek.” 

Wood has spent decades as an active community member, volunteering with the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, Weatherford Noon Lions Club, Weatherford Rotary Club and Parker County Committee on Aging. And he’s always had a special place in his heart for Weatherford College, starting with his position on the WC Foundation board. 

As he enters his third year as a part-time student, he has decided to give back to the college again by providing a scholarship for future cybertechnology students. 

“The college has been special to me, and I try to do what I can for it,” Wood said. “Being an actual student at WC has given me a completely different perspective on what a great institution it is. 

“I know all too well how higher education can be challenging in various ways, especially financially. I worked through my dental and orthodontic education the whole time to make ends meet. Some of my fellow WC classmates in the course introductions mention how they have children, are single parents, are working, and are taking classes. That can be tough, so maybe this will help someone.” 

As a student, Wood said his favorite thing about WC is the atmosphere on campus. 

“It’s just an awesome place,” he said. “And I can compare it to four different higher education places.” 

Wood is not the only family member attending Weatherford College. Currently, his twin girls are completing courses at the Weatherford campus. 

“My goal now is to take a class with both of my girls before I finish,” he said. “I plan to graduate in the fall of 2024. Maybe I can even graduate with them.”

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This article is also found in the Spring 2024 issue of The Hilltop.