SoJ Web Report | Nov. 15, 2009
 |
The School of Journalism community mourns the loss of senior lecturer Beth Wood, who died Nov. 14 from complications of treatment for lung cancer.
Wood, 58, taught public relations at the graduate and undergraduate levels and was a leader in service-learning classes in the School of Journalism that assisted many area nonprofits. She was a two-time winner of the Trustees Teaching Award in the School of Journalism.
In 2004, she helped launch the IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and led it to become the seventh-largest student chapter in the world. In 2008, she led the successful effort for Indiana University to become one of only 20 universities to receive certification from the Public Relations Society of America.
She was a 1973 graduate of the IU School of Journalism and earned her law degree from the IU School of Law in Indianapolis in 1977. She joined the School of Journalism faculty in 2002.
Prior to joining the school, she spent 12 years in law firm marketing, the last six of which were with Barnes & Thornburg, Indiana’s largest law firm. She also worked in corporate communications for Eli Lilly & Co. She was an adjunct faculty member at the School of Journalism at IUPUI, teaching public relations and communications law from 1981 to 1985.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the School of Journalism for either the Beth Wood Award in the School of Journalism for international travel for students or the Joan Wood Lecture Series in the College of Arts & Sciences to celebrate women in science and showcase careers in biology. Joan Wood was Beth’s twin sister.
To make the gift, visit the School of Journalism section of the IU Foundation Web site at this link. You may designate your gift in the "additional comments" section.
A message from School of Journalism Dean Brad Hamm:
Beth was a remarkable teacher, colleague and friend. She was dedicated to her students and proud of their accomplishments in life and work.I admired her talent as a professor, her energy and passion for life, and her genuine concern for others. And I know that her friends and students in Bloomington and throughout the state, nation and world share in the profound sadness that we feel. At the same time, we celebrate all that Beth meant to our lives.
Despite the challenges over the past few years, she remained as positive and upbeat as ever.
On behalf of the School of Journalism family, I extend our deepest sympathy to her husband, Dr. Dan Drew, a valued colleague and broadcast journalism professor for many years in the School of Journalism until his retirement in 2006, and Beth’s sister, Kenna Wood, and her mother, Helen Wood.
Other comments:
From Kallie J. Bonnell, BAJ ’06:
During my tenure at IU (2002-2006), Beth was an incredible advocate for advancing the public relations curriculum at a time when the school was more focused on print journalism. Her determination and ambition allowed for the creation of a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. I was a charter member and, with Beth’s encouragement, I became chapter president. The in-class experiences and professional experiences Beth brought to my education built an excellent foundation for which I am extremely fortunate and grateful. I cannot imagine a more dedicated professor.
From Kevin Caldwell, BAJ ’08:
Beth was an outstanding educator, but she was much, much more. She was a special friend. I have her contact information on my cell phone and know she had mine, too. Her words of advice and encouragement went beyond the classroom walls. Although I now live and work in New York, I kept in contact with Beth and she frequently gave students interested in fashion or New York my contact information. Because they were coming from Beth, I knew these fellow Hoosiers were motivated, smart and genuine people. Beth was brilliant.
From Miranda McCage, BAJ ’07:
Beth brought the real world into the classroom. She constantly wove a variety of topics, guest speakers, projects and work with nonprofits into her classes to help us understand how to juggle a variety of work each day. She timed us as we wrote press releases. She inspired us to create professional quality work. She expected us to succeed, and she didn’t mince words telling us so. Because of her, we rose to the challenge.
Beth’s incredible energy made her classes exciting. You’ll never found students snoozing in Beth’s classes. She bounded around the classroom, and her expressions, gestures and one-liners kept us alert and tuned in. There are few teachers who can perform like Beth. I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it.
I have many wonderful memories of Beth, but here’s my favorite:
After a public relations class, Beth called me aside and, very seriously, asked that I follow her to her office. I kept thinking: “What is this about? Did I do something wrong?”
Finally, when I finally sat down across from her desk, Beth picked up the phone and called Barbara Coffman of the IU Foundation.
After a few more moments of nervous anticipation, Beth and Barbara shared some amazing news. They had heard that I was paying my way through school and struggling to manage my jobs and commitments. They had done something about it. Without my knowledge, they had worked together to help me receive a scholarship.
Just typing this story makes me tear up. I’ll never forget their kindness.
From Mandy Johnson, BAJ ’07
The IU School of Journalism has lost one of its best and the students have lost a true mentor. She was a leader in the school and I am so glad I got to experience several of her classes and her mentoring.
As faculty adviser, Beth was the key in launching and maintaining the IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Having PRSSA on campus is vital for any public relations or journalism education program. Many employers don’t consider hiring PR students if their résumés don’t mention membership in PRSSA.
Beth recognized the importance of having a chapter and her leadership as the faculty member overseeing PRSSA provided new opportunities for students who wanted to take their education to the next level. Beth provided full-time support to the campus organization and was the driving force behind its growth. She encouraged students to become involved and she was a cheerleader for the organization. She opened the door for PRSSA to make a difference in students’ educational and professional lives by implementing the organization’s networking event opportunities, bringing in professional speakers, holding PR workshops, conducting interview and résumés workshops and more.
From Cory Nelund
Beth Wood was a superior educator. I learned more than I ever thought possible in her Public Relations Writing course. Her methods of teaching are superb. My writing improved 100 percent in 15 weeks. Professor Wood took time to meet with each student one-on-one and go over individual projects. She pointed out the good and the areas where we needed to improve without crushing our spirit. The time that she gave me as an individual student was so helpful.
She could be tough but, at the same time, she was nurturing. Thanks to her, my grammar and my level of confidence improved. With the writing skills and knowledge I gained from her, I’m confident that I can work successfully work in public relations and achieve my goals and dreams.
From Jennifer Evans, BAJ ’08
Beth Wood was superior. I have known Beth since my freshman year at IU when I joined the first-ever IU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which Beth spearheaded. Beth reached out to so many people and truly inspired me to follow in her footsteps and study public relations.
Ever since I met her, Beth and I stayed in touch. I took two Beth Wood classes, and we’ve always stayed very close. We exchanged e-mails often, met for lunch or dinner. She took me to Hoosier Chapter Public Relations Society of American (PRSA) luncheons in Indianapolis. Her dedication to my education and future inspired me to reach out and help others with their personal and professional careers.
Beth worked hard to bring in real clients who needed real campaigns. For many projects I worked on in Beth’s classes, we were able to actually win bids and our campaign was put to use around Bloomington.
Beth made her classes fun, exciting and entertaining. I learned a lot from Beth, and I always looked forward to her classes.
She remembered names and responded to e-mails. Today, because of Beth, I always send handwritten thank you notes.
Another lesson from Beth? She treated every situation as an opportunity to build her network of friends. Today I work for the City of Indianapolis and meet a wide variety of people, and I always treat every introduction as potential for future projects, sponsorship, donors and friends.
From Maria Karapetyan, MA ’08
When I started working with Beth as her faculty assistant, it was my first semester as a grad student at the IU School of Journalism School and I had no prior teaching experience.
Beth trusted me. She gave me the confidence to work with students and to pursue my own education and career goals.
After graduating, I sought out Beth’s advice before my first job interview. Because of her, I felt ready professionally and psychologically. I was prepared to take on new challenges.
Beth used her experiences and brought in working professionals as guest speakers to relate classroom learning to the students’ future work environment. She also reached out to students who needed more guidance. She helped students build their confidence and their portfolios.
Beth always told her students: Be professional and keep your moral principles and values. I still practice that lesson today.
From Daryl Witte, BAJ ’07
One of Beth Wood’s most striking traits was her ability to instill confidence and pride in her students. This is important because graduates need to have loads of confidence for the job hunt following graduation, especially in these challenging times. From my experience, I think Beth believed in me and my abilities more than I did.
Furthermore, Beth’s courageous return to campus following a deeply challenging illness was a true testament of her love and dedication to her students, her profession, and Indiana University.
From Lauren Regan, BAJ ’07
Beth Wood was my mentor and my friend. She was a special teacher who went above and beyond teaching in the classroom. Beth’s care for her students goes beyond the walls of Ernie Pyle Hall.
My greatest lesson from Beth: Pave your own path! Once you know the fundamentals, work toward what will make you happiest, not what people tell you to do with your life.
I never realized how well Beth prepared me until I started an internship after college. I found myself pulling out worksheets I saved from her classes and the PR Style Book she insisted we would use "one day." Her guidance and words of wisdom are an integral part of the way I write.
Jaclyn Gutmann, BAJ ’07
When I was a sophomore at Indiana University, I wanted to go into advertising. I found Beth Wood’s Advertising Guidebook, with tips on how to stay involved in the industry, what classes we should take and other things to consider. I made an appointment with Beth right away, and had I not, I might not be where I am today. Beth advised me to stay as involved as possible and meet as many professionals as I could during my time at Indiana. That summer, I took on my first unpaid internship just to get my foot in the door. The next year I became very involved in PRSSA and the AAF National Student Advertising Competition. I met Jim Parham and landed an internship with Hirons and Company. As a senior, I worked closely with Beth as the vice president of PRSSA.
I now work in corporate communications for Raytheon Company. I use Beth Wood’s advice every day. I stay involved, I try to make as many contacts as possible and ask as many questions as I can. Had it not been for Beth’s advice and guidance, I may not have pushed as hard as I did, and I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Jennifer Hurtubise, BAJ ’06
Beth Wood was a great educator. She did so much more than just teach from textbooks. She provided real world examples and brought in professionals to help students gain a true understanding of the profession. She also gave students in her public relations classes an actual client and class project, which makes the class much more interesting, interactive and educational. You felt as though you were really working on something that would make a difference rather than just another assignment for a grade.
Beth was the main reason the IU School of Journalism’s public relations curriculum has been certified by the Public Relations Society of America and that we have one of the top PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) chapters.
Beth was genuine. She really cared about us as students and about our careers. She helped us succeed. She wanted to know where we were and what we were doing personally and professionally. She was one of the few professors I continued to stay in touch with and, thanks to Beth, I continued to have a personal connection with the IU School of Journalism. If I ever needed help, I knew that I could count on her.
11 Responses to “School mourns loss of Beth Wood”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
November 15th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Beth was my first introduction to public relations. She had an uncanny ability to teach the finer points of public relations by reflecting on her own experiences with wit, humor and a depth of knowledge. She was unwavering in her support pushing me to be and do my best. I’m so grateful to have known her. She truly was unlike any other.
November 15th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
I was fortunate to have many PR classes with Beth. She was an incredible professor and mentor. In my four years here, she taught me more than I ever thought I would learn in the classroom. The IU School of Journalism will be very different without her presence, but I am grateful for the time I had with her.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Beth was an inspiration to every one of her students and I feel blessed to have had her as a teacher and mentor.
November 16th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
The messages from Beth’s students and co-workers are more special than you can imagine. I was privileged to have Beth as a close friend (more like family) for the past 30 years, and because we also shared a public relations background, I was honored to serve as a sounding board for many of Beth’s classroom plans, particularly the service-learning, practical portion of the program. Through my employer at the time, I was able to provide the “guinea pig” project.
She was fully committed to helping the IU School of Journalism prepare the very best public relations practitioners possible. She rejoiced when a student “got it” and delivered a well-written project or well-thought out plan, or landed a job in the field. Those “Aha!” moments mattered to her. And she would celebrate those accomplishments with her friends — she was that proud of a student’s efforts! She also talked about the talented student who had outstanding abilities but was more interested in the social scene. That was frustrating to her because she could see the potential; she would call to brainstorm ways she might get through to that young man or woman. She looked for ways to connect with her students in a relevant manner, yet maintained and grew her professional contacts to ensure the best possible future for the students and the school.
It was an easy task when she asked me to write a recommendation letter for a university award for which she has been nominated (recipients announced this spring?). She was a tireless advocate for the PR program, IU and her students. Please remember Beth’s commitment to her family and friends, to the public relations field, and to her students.
November 16th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I was very fortunate to have Beth as an instructor, and then serve as her AI for three years (2004-06). Everything I practice as a professional has been influenced by Beth – be it practicing effective, ethical PR for my clients; or at my part-time instructing position engaging students in an informative, yet enjoyable, learning atmosphere. I learned it all from Beth. I wish I had done a better job of regularly showing her how much I appreciated her. She will always have a place in my heart.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Professor Wood is the most unforgettable instructor during my experience at IU. She has such a positive and attractive personality which makes everyone around her feel encouraged and full of hope. She was always so energetic and optimistic, and it’s just so hard to accept the fact that she is gone. Since I returned to China for good last year and at this moment just too far away from my beloved Jschool, it really doubles my sorrow. I would never know that it was actually the last time I saw and talked to Professor Wood last winter in her office. She will always be my favorite professor and role model.
November 16th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I was incredibly shocked and saddened to hear of Beth’s passing. I was fortunate to have her as an instructor for three courses during my time at IU. Not only was Beth busy paving the way for public relations in the School of Journalism, but she was dedicated to mentoring her students even after they graduated.
Because of Beth, I changed my career focus from print journalism to public relations. I remember sitting down with her once and her saying I had a knack for nonprofit communications. She fought for me to get an internship at Riley Children’s during my senior year and that experience changed my life. I realized my passion for nonprofit public relations and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in nonprofit administration, thanks to a recommendation from Beth.
Beth was more than a professor; she was our cheerleader, our mentor, our advocate, our friend. I feel privileged to have been one of her students and know her legacy will live on through the perseverance and strength she passed on to every single one of us.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Throughout my career exploration and journalism study, Beth was a constant source of encouragement for me. After graduation, I was accepted to do a PR internship in India. I would not have taken this life-changing journey had Beth and a few other professors not excited me to do so. I was so grateful for her kind e-mails throughout the experience. She understood that some of us needed a push to achieve our best success, yet she remained available and comforting. She nudged me toward a promising career path, and I am so thankful for that. I will miss her dearly.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I had the privilege of getting to know Beth over the past few years in my role as an adjunct lecturer.
It was her friendly persuasion that convinced me to create the materials for a media relations class to help fill what she felt was a void in her beloved public relations sequence.
It didn’t matter that I had never created a class before; all that mattered was that Beth thought I could help her students, and I was powerless to resist.
Beth was a tireless advocate for her profession and her students. Beyond that, she was a warm, witty and wonderfully quirky personality who never failed to brighten my day.
Beth cared deeply about her students, as the testimonials here show, and I can think of no higher praise for an educator. She is going to be dearly missed.
May 18th, 2010 at 12:22 am
I just received the Newswire informing me of her passing. Beth was an amazing instructor – without a doubt, one of the best of my undergraduate career – and I wish I would have been lucky enough to have her in graduate school as well. I’ll always remember the talks we had over who I am, where I want to go and what I want to do. I owe her so much, and I’ll never get the opportunity to thank her. I will miss our twice yearly e-mail exchange that developed after graduation…and I still think of her regularly and ask myself: “What Would Beth Do?” The world lost a wonderful, powerful, dedicated woman, teacher and professional. Thankfully a piece of her wisdom lives on in all the students who were lucky enough to have her as a teacher and guide. Thank you Beth…thank you.
September 7th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Beth and I were classmates in the School of Journalism '73. She was one of the finest people I have known. From what I have read here, it appears that she continued to be.