When Dr. Chuck Hood ’75 looks back on his life, two themes rise to the surface again and again: God’s grace and Montreat College.
Originally from Knoxville, Tenn., Chuck followed his older sister, Debbie, to Montreat College, then called Montreat-Anderson, after she discovered the college through General Assembly, a student singing group that visited their church. Chuck chose Montreat because he wanted to be near his sister and play basketball. Their younger sister, Nan, later attended Montreat, as well, and married Ben Barker, a fellow Montreat alumnus.
Chuck arrived at Montreat unsure of his faith, but he quickly found mentors who helped shape his life’s direction. One of the first was Larry Wilson, Montreat’s athletic director at the time. Chuck admired Wilson’s deep faith, love for his family and genuine care for students.
Wilson’s mentorship left a lasting mark on Chuck, influencing the man he wanted to become, his future work in higher education and even his family. Through Wilson, Chuck eventually met Susan Wilson, who would become his wife.
Elizabeth Wilson also played a significant role in Chuck’s life. As his Bible teacher during his first year, she offered steady encouragement during a difficult season for his family. She opened her home to him, prayed with him and became one of the people who changed the course of his life.
“Elizabeth Wilson was one of the people who changed my life at Montreat,” Chuck said.
Her impact was so meaningful that Chuck and Susan named their second daughter Sarah Elizabeth in her honor. Even after Chuck graduated, his family continued to visit Elizabeth Wilson weekly until her death.
“It is beautiful to see a legacy passed down,” Chuck said. “Because God graciously gave me Larry Wilson, Calvin Thielman, Elizabeth Wilson and more, I was able to break chains for my kids. Their impact on my life is impacting my grandkids, who will influence their grandkids.”
Although Chuck left Montreat College with a deeper understanding of Jesus, he said his faith became personal the summer after graduation while he was working as a counselor at Camp Little Pisgah. There, through the courageous and gentle example of the camp manager, Chuck committed his life to Christ.
Looking back, he sees Montreat as the place where God had already begun planting seeds.
“My time at Montreat-Anderson was everything I needed to jump-start my career,” Chuck said.
Chuck went on to spend 22 years in higher education, seeking to love and care for students the way his mentors had cared for him. Later, he and his family returned to the Asheville area, where he launched a development company and began a new chapter.
After semi-retiring, Chuck’s lifelong hobby of woodworking grew into another gift. He and Susan opened MountainWoodsNC in 2023, creating custom wood furniture together. The shop was damaged by flooding from Hurricane Helene but reopened in September 2025.
For Chuck and Susan, the business is another reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Today, Chuck’s message to Montreat students is simple: pay attention to the gift of this place.
“Pause right now, look around, and do not take anything for granted,” he said. “Soak it all in. All around Montreat are gifts from the Lord. When you leave, you will realize that these years can never be replicated.”
He also encourages alumni to continue sharing Montreat with others.
“We cannot leave Montreat in a vacuum,” Chuck said, “but instead must invite others into the wonderful gift God has allowed each of us to experience.”
To learn more about Montreat College’s online graduate and undergraduate programs visit www.montreat.edu/success.