Robert Coldwell Wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Wood
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| 2nd United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
| In office January 7, 1969 – January 20, 1969 |
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| President | Lyndon B. Johnson |
| Preceded by | Robert C. Weaver |
| Succeeded by | George W. Romney |
| Superintendent of Boston Public Schools | |
| In office 1978–1980 |
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| Preceded by | Marion Fahey |
| Succeeded by | Robert R. Spillane |
| President of the University of Massachusetts | |
| In office 1970–1977 |
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| Preceded by | John W. Lederle |
| Succeeded by | David C. Knapp |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 16, 1923 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | April 1, 2005 (aged 81) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Margaret Byers
(m. 1952) |
| Children | 3, including Frank and Maggie |
| Education | Princeton University (BA) Harvard University (MA, MPA, PhD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Bronze Star |
Robert Coldwell Wood (born September 16, 1923 – died April 1, 2005) was an important American expert in politics and government. He was also a professor at MIT.
From 1965 to 1969, Mr. Wood worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson in a new government department. This department was called the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For a short time, he was even the head of HUD.
Later, he went back to MIT. He also led a special center that studied cities. He was also in charge of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which runs public transport. From 1970 to 1977, he was the president of the University of Massachusetts. He helped the university grow a lot during his time there.
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Robert Wood's Early Life and Education
Robert Wood was born on September 16, 1923, in St Louis, Missouri. His parents were Mary and Thomas Frank Wood.
Serving in World War II
He earned a scholarship to attend Princeton University. However, he paused his studies to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Wood fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded a Bronze Star medal for his bravery. He rose to the rank of sergeant during his service.
University Studies and Degrees
After the war, he finished his degree at Princeton University. Then, he went on to earn three more degrees from Harvard University. These degrees included a master's in public administration and a doctorate in government.
Robert Wood's Career in Government and Education
Mr. Wood taught political science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1959 to 1965.
Working for the Government
From 1965 to 1969, Mr. Wood worked as the Under Secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This department was new at the time. He worked under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
In 1968, Mr. Wood received the Wiener Medal for Cybernetics. This award recognized his work in the field of cybernetics, which is about how systems control themselves. After Robert C. Weaver left his role, Mr. Wood briefly served as the Secretary of HUD for two weeks. Then, George Romney took over the position.
Leading Universities and Public Transport
After his time in government, Mr. Wood returned to MIT. There, he directed the Joint Center for Urban Studies, a research center shared by MIT and Harvard. At the same time, he was chosen to lead the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The MBTA is in charge of public transportation in the Boston area.
From 1970 to 1977, he served as the president of the University of Massachusetts. During these years, he helped the university expand greatly. This included adding the UMass Medical Center in Worcester and a new campus in Boston. He also played a key part in bringing the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum to its current location. He also taught at Wesleyan University.
Superintendent of Boston Public Schools
In 1978, Mr. Wood was chosen to be the superintendent of Boston Public Schools. This was a big deal because he was the first person from outside the Boston school system to get the job in many years. He took over during a difficult time for the district. The schools were working to follow a federal court order to desegregate, which meant bringing students of different backgrounds together. In 1980, the school committee voted to remove him from his position.
Robert Wood's Family Life
Robert Wood married Margaret Byers on March 22, 1952. They had three children together. Their children include the actor Frank Wood and Maggie Hassan, who became the Governor of New Hampshire and a U.S. Senator.
Mr. Wood passed away from stomach cancer at his home in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 2005.
