Georgia Southern anthropology professor appointed to Georgia Department of Natural Resources board

October 18, 2018

Anthropology professor M. Jared Wood, Ph.D., has a passion for archeology and preservation, and he will play a large role in the preservation of historic resources in Georgia as a member of the Georgia National Register Review Board for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Wood was appointed to the board in July.

“I am honored to serve on this board,” he said. “Identifying, documenting and helping to preserve cultural resources from our past so they can be appreciated and shared with others is the heart of archaeology. In a world that’s always changing, we need these resources to know where we’ve come from and how to better accomplish what we want to be.”

Wood will provide expertise in archaeology to the board, which is composed of representatives from architecture, archaeology, history and architectural history, as well as at-large members. Members serve three- or four-year terms and are appointed by the commissioner of the Georgia DNR with input from the Georgia DNR Historic Preservation Division (HPD) director and deputy state historic preservation officer.

“The Georgia Southern archaeology program has a long and productive relationship with Georgia DNR HPD, as do other archaeologists in both the University System of Georgia and the private sector,” Wood said. “We work to identify shared goals, create partnerships and promote archaeology and outreach in Georgia. I happily accepted the nomination.”

Wood, who will also serve an advisory role for the Georgia DNR on various matters concerning historic preservation, attended his first board meeting in August and said he is excited about the new opportunities he will receive as a member of the board.

“Serving on the board allows me to directly support the DNR’s goals and see the incredible work that others are doing to identify, nominate and justify important properties in our state,” he said.

The National Register Review Board is maintained by the U.S. Department of the Interior and consists of more than 80,000 properties in Georgia. The HPD invites nomination proposals from property owners, historical societies, preservation organizations, civic and business associations, governmental agencies, and others. Nominations are then reviewed by HPD and the board. Approved nominations are submitted by HPD to the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., for final review and listing.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.