Wood, professor in the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture (LCC) which houses the student-run theatrical group, has been the company’s faculty advisor for thirty years. He is beloved by the company for his wit and wisdom and for energy and efforts that go “above and beyond” his advising duties explained DramaTech Artistic Director Melissa Foulger. In the past few years, Wood stepped in after the passing of long-time artistic director, Greg Abbott to guide the student organization through a period of mourning and its search for a new director (Foulger).  In 2009, he directed DramaTech's production of Twelfth Night .

“He has organized, acted, and directed, and has held the hand of many a student trying to overcome stage fright,” said Carol Senf, professor and associate chair of LCC. “It was incredibly moving to hear the students offer tribute to him.”

The now iconic toaster first appeared in the mid-eighties during an impromptu art installation called "Toaster Dreams" that featured furnishings suspended from the overhead grid. At the center of the design and prominently lit was a toaster.  Thereafter, the toaster began popping up in productions, always hidden in plain sight. Now a venerated tradition, the toaster is even part of the DramaTech logo.

“For DramaTech, there is no higher award than a toaster!” said Wood upon receiving the award.