Mr. Thomas E. Wood, Jr. was called to serve as the first principal of the new and much anticipated Benjamin E. Mays High School in 1980 as the building and administration was under construction.  Mr. Wood was chosen to lead based upon his distinguished background as an educator, and his commitment to molding and shaping the lives of young people.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Wood arrived in Atlanta, GA in 1956 after serving in the United States World War II Band, and completing varied courses of study.  Mr. Wood holds a B.A. from Tennessee State university, 1946; a M.A. from New York University, 1955; and an Administrative Supervision Certificate from Atlanta University. Mr. Wood also studied at Xavier University in New Orleans, L.A.  He conducted his student teaching at Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA, as well as in the Anniston, Alabama School System.

Before being called upon as the first principal of our beloved Benjamin E. Mays High School, Mr. Wood served in the Atlanta Public School System in the following position:  David T. Howard High School (English and Social Studies teacher and band Director) 1956-1962; Charles L. Harper High School 1963-1867; Harwell Elementary School (Principal) 1967-1969; West Fulton High School (Principal) 1969-1974; Assistant Area Supervisor Area 2, 1974-1979; Benjamin E. Mays High School Administrative Transition Team 1980-1981.

While building a distinguished career in education, Mr. Wood was always supported by his loving wife, Mrs. Earline Wood, whom he married in 1951.  Mrs. Wood, also an accomplished educator worked in the Atlanta Public Schools for more than 30 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Wood have one son, Mr. Edward A. Wood, Jr., and his wife, Kimberly, both are Mays Alumni ’97, and Mr. Christopher Wood, Mays Alumni ’00.  Mr. and Mrs. Wood adore their two great-grand children, Jaden, age 10, and Breanna, age 5.

When asked to provide his idea of the model Benjamin E. Mays High School student, Mr. Wood replied, “Preparation of LIFE should be the aim of ALL students.  The training received should develop in each student’s attributes that would cause them to rise above ALL obstacles.  Such attributes should include honesty, punctuality, dedication, high achievement, self-discipline, and image.” Mr. Wood expresses a very personal plea to see these attributes developed in our young men of today.

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