Wood joins faculty as economist-in-residence

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 13, 2007 - - Noted South Carolina economist Oliver G. Wood Jr. of Columbia has been named economist-in-residence at the Charleston School of Law, Dean Richard Gershon announced today.

Wood

"Students and faculty members are looking forward to Dr. Wood's work with the school because he'll be helpful to them in better understanding economic issues," Gershon said. "We feel lucky to be able to take advantage of his business and economic expertise."

Wood, who received his doctorate in economics from the University of Florida, has been a consulting economist for attorneys since 1969 in several legal areas, including cases involving personal injury, business loss, punitive damages, family law and employment termination.

An organizer and founding director of Republic National Bank in Columbia, Wood also is a founder and vice chair of BankMeridian in Columbia and Hilton Head. He has assisted with the organization of 11 banks, and two savings and loan associations. He has been a consultant to numerous financial institutions.

Wood, who has published numerous articles, monographs and books, has been a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina since 1994. Prior to that, he was a professor of banking and finance at the university.

He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Carolina.

Wood retired in 1987 as a captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve with 28 years of service.