Whittier

Richard J. Wood, dean of faculty and vice president of academic affairs at Whittier College, has been appointed president of Earlham College in Richmond, Ind.

Wood, 48, taught philosophy at Earlham, a small liberal arts college, for 14 years before moving to Whittier in 1980 and becoming vice president of the college.

He assumes his new post Aug. 1 at Earlham, which has an enrollment similar to Whittier’s roughly 1,050 students.

In addition to being president of Earlham, Wood also will oversee the Earlham School of Religion and the Conner Prairie Pioneer Settlement, a living museum run by the college north of Indianapolis.

Earlham, like Whittier College, was founded by Quakers in 1847.

“It’s not so much that I’m leaving Whittier, but pursuing a new opportunity,” said Wood, who has written extensively on Japanese literature and Quaker ethics and thought. “Earlham is very similar to Whittier, one of the main reasons I agreed to take the job. I’m very excited.”

When Wood leaves in July an acting dean of faculty will be named while college officials search for a permanent replacement.

Besides his post at Whittier College, Wood has been active in community affairs, serving as president of the Whittier YMCA from 1983-1985 and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s Town and Gown Committee in 1984.

Walter F. Dexter Junior High School in Whittier has been named one of the top 10 intermediate schools in California by the state Department of Education and the National Secondary Schools Assn.

Dexter, at 11532 E. Floral Drive, was selected from more than 3,000 California junior high schools.

“It is just fantastic--a real tribute to our students, faculty, staff and parents,” said Don Hoagland, who has been principal for 10 years at the 700-student campus in the Whittier City School District.

The 10 schools were selected on the basis of academic performance, campus environment, administrative leadership and parent and community support. A review team toured the campuses and talked with students, faculty members and parents.

The 10 schools are being considered for national honors. Winners of the national junior high school competition will be announced in Washington this summer.