Audie Wood, Faculty

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Contact Information:

audie.wood@wku.edu 

208-984-9312

 

Degrees Earned:

Psychology (Western Kentucky University)

M.A. Sociology (Idaho State University) 

 

From 2011 until 2013, I worked as a social worker in Chicago. The intersection of the economic, educational, and criminal justice system left me overwhelmed and unable to help my clients. So, I decided to return to my original dream, academia, and teach the next generation how to change the social structures that kept me from helping clients and my clients from helping themselves.

In my eyes, at least in my lifetime, understanding how society and social structure shape behavior and beliefs have never been more important! 

My academic superhero was the late Dr. Sam McFarland, a Social Psychology Professor emeritus at WKU. He challenged me to think beyond the surface of my social world. That little challenge changed my life. From my Sophomore year of undergrad, I knew I wanted to grow up to be just like him. Thanks to the help of Dr. Lauren McClain (WKU), Dr. Donielle Heron (WKU), and Dr. Gesine Hearne (ISU), that dream has now come true.

I overuse the phrase “Do you understand” the most while teaching. My favorite quote is, “There are no stupid questions.” For fun, I spend most of my time at sporting events and concerts. After all, I live in a music city.