Kathy Wood, Ph.D.

University Dean, Health

Hickory, N.C.

Healthcare manager. IT analyst. Strategic innovator.

Linked in
Education
  • Ph.D., Organization and Management, Health Administration, Information Technology, Capella University (2004)
  • MBA, Business, Winthrop University (1989)
  • BS, Healthcare Management, Appalachian State University (1982)
Background

Kathy Wood currently serves as University Dean for Health at Colorado Technical University. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing curriculum content and development for health programs, ensuring that the courses and programs teach the students what they are supposed to learn. Wood has been in higher education for over 15 years holding positions of Dean and Associate Dean with oversight of numerous programs, from associate to doctoral levels, with extensive experience in both online and traditional institutions. In addition, she has over 30 years of industry experience.

Prior to moving into higher education, Wood held various positions in an IT firm, including systems analyst and marketing support specialist, as well as direct healthcare experience, including director of business services and practice administrator in hospitals and physician practices.

Wood has served as the certification coordinator for the North Carolina Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (NCHFMA) for the past several years and coordinates online educational offerings. She will serve as director of Chapter Services on the NCHFMA board for the next two years. She is also a member of Healthcare Information and Management Systems (HIMSS) and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an Honor Society for Women Educators.

Academic Specialization/Focus at CTU

Healthcare

Why are YOU IN?

A dean in today’s academic environment gets to fill many roles. One is an expert in program management, faculty relationships and strategic innovation. I facilitate collaboration among all departments, which is necessary to lead to the overall success of the student. This is why we are here. Overall success requires the successful development of the program, marketing of the program, admissions, financial aid, faculty excellence, student knowledge and outcomes, and career management. Everything the student needs to be successful while at CTU and in the workforce. Learn Kathy's CTU Story.

What is your teaching philosophy?

As a faculty member for today’s 21st-century student, I believe engaging students, creating mentoring relationships, and ensuring that students are able to apply concepts learned upon course completion are essential. Success does not just happen – it is earned. If your timing changes due to “life” happenings, continue the pursuit since your goal of education remains unchanged. Leaders and faculty should be there to help students or employees reach their potential, and to individually and collaboratively help themselves and their organizations.

Aside from higher education, what else are you passionate about?

Working with diverse teams is essential to the success for personal and career achievement. One of my passions is leading support groups for diversity inclusion and supporting those less fortunate. In addition, I enjoy water aerobics and other water activities, and spending precious time with my four sons and husband.

Publications
  • Wood, K. (coauthor). (2012). Applications for Managing Institutions Delivering Health Care, one of the sections in the textbook “Informatics for Health Practitioners.” Wood chapter contributions include: "Financial Systems and Practice Management Systems." Elsevier.
  • Wood, K. (2012). The Four C’s of Technology: Collection, Compiling, Collaborating, and Community Building, Using Technology as a Training Tool and to Improve Organizational Productivity and Preparedness. Tarheel News, NCHFMA.
  • Wood. K. (Ongoing). Certification Corner, quarterly publication. Tarheel News, NCHFMA.
  • Reviewer for McGraw-Hill textbook, PrimeSUITE EHR, 2011.
  • Wood, K. (2010). Who’s Paying for Healthcare? St. Joseph’s College of Maine newsletter.
  • Wood, K.H. (2004). Investments in Hospital Information Systems: To What Extent Do They Impact the Bottom Line? UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor.
  • Various scholarly publications on Labome.org Scientists website.
Speaking Engagements
  • 2012. HFMA Lunch-n-Learn Webinar Series: Co-presenter for Revenue Cycle, the Disbursement Function, Budgeting and Forecasting, Internal Control, Financial Reporting, and Contract Management, NCHFMA
  • HFMA Certification: Why Certify and How Do I Prepare? Presenter for NCHFMA conference bi-annually.
  • Certification Training for NCHFMA members annually at the Winter Institute (March) and Summer Institute (August or September).
  • 2010. Who’s Paying for Healthcare? Presenter at the Healthcare Symposium, St. Joseph’s College of Maine
  • 2008. Customer Service in Healthcare, Continuing Education for Catawba Valley Medical Center employees
  • 2006. Healthcare Management: What’s in it for me? Trends and Careers in Healthcare Management. Guest speaker for University of Phoenix business students.
Awards or achievements
  • Certificate of Advanced Study, Mastering Patient Financial Services, HFMA (2011)
  • Certified Performance Coach, Career Education Corporation (2011)
  • The Essentials of Leadership Certificate, Development Dimensions International (2011)
  • Gold Award of Excellence for certification, HFMA (2011)
  • Leading Change Certificate, Career Education Corporation (2011)
  • Developing Others Certificate, Career Education Corporation (2011)
  • Ethics Certificate, Career Education Corporation (2010)
  • Information Security Certificate, Career Education Corporation (2010)
  • Founders Medal of Honor for outstanding service, NCHFMA (2010)
  • Bronze Award of Excellence for certification, HFMA (2010)
Professional memberships
  • Fellow of Healthcare Financial Management Association® (HFMA)
  • Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) (1990)
  • Board Member (1997-99 / 2012-14)
  • Director of Chapter Services, North Carolina Chapter
  • Matrix Member, North Carolina Chapter
  • Certification Chair, Trainer, Webinar Organizer Scholarship Committee
  • Member of the South Dakota and Illinois Chapters
  • Healthcare Information Management System Society (HIMSS) (2011) Delta Kappa Gamma Society, International Honor Society for Women Educators (2008)
  • Chapter Newsletter Director for numerous years; orientation training Healthcare Management: What’s in it for me? Trends and Careers in Healthcare Management. Guest speaker for University of Phoenix business students (2006)
Research interests
  • Using information technology for education and efficiency
  • Customer Service: HIPAA impact; the Golden Rule; in the high-tech world
  • Political involvement and influence on healthcare policies
  • Emerging trends in healthcare management, including e-health
  • Professional success in students of online learning vs. traditional students
  • Trends in information technology
  • External influences on investments in healthcare information
  • The need for knowledge experts in the field of information technology