As Dr. Jane Wood becomes adjusted to her new surroundings as Bluffton University president The Icon talked with her briefly on Monday about a range of subjects. A portion of that interview follows in a paraphrased fashion.

You are starting your third week at Bluffton. What’s taken place prior to this?
I’ve toured the campus, and gotten settled in my office,  and now I want to dive deeper by meeting faculty and staff, putting names to faces.

What prep work took place between the time you accepted the position and now?
I’ve read a lot about Bluffton – both the community and the university, and about the Mennonite faith and its values. I’m getting a sense of all its past and future. I’m looking forward to our faculty-staff retreat coming before the school year begins.

What impressions have you made about the community?
The village is a delight. It has many amenities. The campus is full of natural beauty. The village and university offer many connecting points.

Tell us what your next 12 months looks like.
I’m going to do a lot of listening; to the leadership team at the university and to faculty and staff; and I want to get to know the community of Bluffton.

Once your first year is completed what is your approach as university president?
The next fall we will start strategic planning in earnest. This will involve faculty, staff, university board and the community.

If you were to recommend an assigned reading for incoming students at Bluffton, what might you recommend?
“The Organized Mind – Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload,” by Daniel J. Levitin. This book’s focus is on balancing technology and real life.

If you could bring someone on campus as a speaker, whom might you choose?
The author, Jose Antonio Bowen, who wrote “Teaching Naked, How Moving Technology Out of Your College Classroom Will Improve Student Learning.” The book talks about thinking about ways we interpret knowledge for the future. I believe Bluffton University does a nice job of bringing in a wide set of viewpoints and this would be one of those viewpoints.

Tell us about your family.
My husband, Wayne, is a CPA. He is chief accounting officer for Great Western Bank, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He will work remotely from Bluffton with trips to South Dakota as needed. We have two grown daughters, both in their 20s. One works in advertising in New York City. Another is in medical school in Kansas City.

How about your own background?
I’m the youngest of five children. My father, 91, is a retired CPA. My mother, 88, was a middle school science teacher and later brought a small dress shop, which she operated. My parents and our daughters will be in Bluffton during my inauguration on Sept. 28.

What do you read for fun and relaxation?
Well, first I read as much as I can about higher education. For relaxation I like mystery novels. Some of the authors include Louise Penny, P.D. James and Hake Nesser, a Scandinavian author.

Thank you for talking with us. We look forward to your involvement in the community.

To read the story announcing Dr. Wood's appointment at Bluffton CLICK HERE.