Dr. Nathan Wood, Associate Professor in the Department of Family Sciences, was recently appointed to serve as Academic Program Director for the department’s Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) program. As Program Director, Dr. Wood will be responsible for submitting annual reports to Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and coordinating the recruitment and interviewing process for students who apply to the CFT Program.
The CFT program is an emphasis area in the Department of Family Sciences master’s degree program. Students in the program work through UK’s Family Center, a clinical facility where therapy, training and supervision take place. Students engage in client-contact hours, community outreach, research opportunities and graduate assistantships. Upon graduating from the master’s program with an emphasis in couples and family therapy, students are prepared to work with families, couples and individuals, or pursue doctoral studies in family science, therapy or related social science disciplines.
Dr. Wood’s predecessor, Dr. Ron Werner-Wilson, is confident that he is very suitable for the position.
“Nate is very qualified clinically and has been preparing for this responsibility by attending leadership trainings, so I am confident that he will do a great job,” said Dr. Werner-Wilson.
Dr. Wood grew up in rural southern Idaho where he developed his curiosity and love for learning, responsibility, integrity and a deep respect for others regardless of background or station. Dr. Wood has a degree in psychology with minors in sociology and Tagalog at Utah State University. From there, he continued his study earning masters and doctoral degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy at Brigham Young University. Dr. Wood has been active in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, serving as legislative chair, president-elect, and president of the Utah Division for Marriage and Family Therapy. He is very grateful his career path leads him to the University of Kentucky.
“The road ahead looks amazing because of all the faculty and students that have come before,” said Dr. Wood. “It is an honor to be a part of the couple and family therapy legacy at the University of Kentucky!”