Chris Wood:
CLASS OF 1983
Forest Park High SchoolClass of 1983
Forest park, GA
University of Georgia - Graduate SchoolClass of 2006
Athens, GA
University of Alabama - CommunicationClass of 1991
Tuscaloosa, AL
University of Georgia - JournalismClass of 1987
Athens, GA
Chris's Story
Life
4,000 characters for a life's biography? So that's what we've come to?
I've had a blessed life so far. From High School I worked part-time while figuring out what to do at Clayton State College. Then, went to J-school at UGA and graduated in 1987.
From college, took a job as the editor of an aviation newspaper in Houston, Texas, before coming back to grad school two years later. Graduated from the University of Alabama in 1991, with a master's in telecommunications and film. Enjoy writing in all forms of media.
When I couldn't get a job after grad school, I joined my dad at JWA Public Relations firm and have been there ever since. Now, I'm president of the company, as my brother Farrar (FP class of '80) and I have bought out my folks.
Currently, I'm finishing my PhD at UGA, while teaching on their adjunct faculty. Thoroughly enjoy working in the industry and teaching related courses at such an awesome place as UGA.
I'm single with no current prospects. Have come close on an occasion, but haven't caught "the one" quite yet. Love living in the city of Decatur and traveling every chance I get. The bottom line is I'm so blessed with family and friends. Some of my high school classmates are still among my best friends. That, I have found out later in life, is quite rare and amazing in itself, and a testimony as to how we all grew up.
School
My school bio goes from being lost and having absolutely no idea what I wanted to do, to being very focused and driven, when I really found something I loved.
After high school I went to Clayton State and worked at UPS and Macy's at the mall. From there, I transferred in to UGA where my life was changed forevermore.
Following a bachelor's at UGA, a later went to grad school at Alabama. Both schools have very strong communications programs. Si...Expand for more
nce I was a journalism undergraduate, I wanted to study radio, TV and film for my master's program. There, I enjoyed the research and work I conducted on media effects, children's learning via television, as well as creative assignments such as a few select corporate video productions.
After 6 years away from school, I was hungry to learn more about my field and exchange ideas and questions with peers. So, I applied and was accepted to the PhD program at Georgia's Grady College, where I had received my bachelor's degree 10 years earlier. I continued to work full time while working on my PhD. I have finished everything buy my dissertation, but that has been stalled for three years now. I am determined now more than ever to finish the thing. But that won't be the end. I think learning, even through formal education, never stops when you thirst for knowledge and are curious for answers.
Workplace
I love my job. I'm involved in public education on a number of fronts, for a handfull of clients. The majority of my work involves educating the public about important environmental and economic issues that affect their quality of life.
Being your own boss has pros and cons, too. I love having a flexible schedule, but I don't like never being able to lock the door and leave it all behind me. I also love working in metro Atlanta, where I grew up and still have friends and family in the area.
For the future, I want to finish my doctorate, as well continue to teach and work, so what I do in the classroom reflects professional experiences in the field, and vice versa.
I think when the agency business is over with I'll pursue some of my other, less practical passions, such as writing and producing music and scripts. I think my dream job, professionally, would be to write the soundtrack for a film.
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