J. Luke Wood (b. 1982) is an American writer, social scientist & the 9th president of Sacramento State University.

Luke & his twin brother Josh were born in prison to a mother struggling with substance abuse & mental ill health. Shortly after their birth, the boys were taken into foster care and later adopted by a couple who moved their family from the Bay Area in California to a small town, Mcloud.

The Woods fostered many children over the years & that experience had a deep impact the young Luke, especially since the family became known as “the United Nations” because of the diversity of children being cared for.

Luke Wood went on to attain two Masters & a PhD from Arizona State University. He was appointed president of Sacramento State University in 2023.

Dr Luke Wood is the author of over 78 peer-reviewed journal articles and 16 books. His Black Minds Matter: Realizing the Brilliance, Dignity & Morality of Black Males in Education (2018) is based on lectures Dr Wood gave while teaching a Black Minds Matter course.