Wood, K. (Katherine), 1905-1994

Katherine Wood, known as "K." was born in Chicago, Ill. in 1905. Prior to moving to New Mexico in 1934, she held various positions in the social services arena. Her career in New Mexico continued to focus on public welfare and social services. K., along with Dorothy Cline was appointed to the Governor's Advisory committee on Recreation in 1956. She died in Santa Fe, N.M. in 1994.

From the description of Papers, 1924-1992 (bulk 1945-1975). (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 37914250

From the guide to the K. (Katherine) Wood Photograph Collection, 1923-1984, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)

Katherine Rose Wood. Part of the K. (Katherine) Wood Pictorial Collection PICT 000-596 (Box 1, Folder 1).

Katherine Rose Wood, known as 'K.' was born to F. William and Sine Caroline (Hansen) Collet in Chicago, Ill. on April 22, 1905. She earned her B.S. at the University of Minnesota in 1928 and became certified from the School of Social Work in 1932. Wood did post-graduate work at the University of Southern California, University of Utah, University of Denver, University of New Mexico, and Brandeis University between 1938 and 1966.

Prior to moving to New Mexico in 1934, Ms. Wood held various positions in the social services arena. Her career in New Mexico continued to focus on public welfare and social services. She served as Director of the New Mexico Emergency Relief Administration in Raton from 1935-1936. She was field representative for the New Mexico Department of Public Welfare in Las Cruces between 1936 and 1941. As a consultant for the New Mexico Department of Public Health, K. was involved with school testing for hearing and vision disabilities between 1948 and 1953. She worked with the Committee for Study and Recommendation of Reorganization of the Executive Branch, State of New Mexico in 1951-1952, researching Health and Welfare agencies in New Mexico, and recommending a combined Department of Health and Welfare. She was also involved with issues surrounding youth and juvenile delinquency. Governor John Simms appointed K., along with Dorothy Cline to the Governor's Advisory Committee on Recreation in 1956. In 1959, she returned to the Department of Public Welfare, where she began concentrating her energy on services for the aging. Wood served as director of the New Mexico Commission on Aging from 1969 until her retirement from public service in 1975. She was the first retiree appointed to the Board of Directors for the Public Employees Retirement Association in 1979.

K. Rose Wood was married three times. Her first marriage was to Edward W. Peterson in 1929. They were divorced in 1935. In 1941, she married E. A. Rose, who died in 1948. And, in 1953, she married Charles H. Wood, who died in 1965. K. died at her home in Santa Fe on May 13, 1994.

From the guide to the K. (Katherine) Wood Papers, 1924-1992 (bulk 1945-1975), (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)