Celebrating the Legacy of Professor David Woods: A Beacon of Inspiration and Energy for Students at Polk State

Published on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 by Polk Newsroom

Upon his arrival at Polk State College as an adjunct in 1989, David Woods’ impressive professional background was evident. At the point of his retirement, Woods’ talents had been imparted to thousands of students and will endure through his contributions.

Following a struggle with rapidly advancing Alzheimer’s disease, Woods passed away on December 7 at the age of 67. He devoted a total of 35 years as a Professor of Photography at Polk State, with the last 23 years as a full-time member of the faculty.

“He had such a vibrant spirit,” stated Holly Scoggins, Polk State Professor of Visual Arts, who first met Woods in 2013. “He placed his students’ needs in his work and his creative endeavors above all else. Their successes were his foremost concern.”

Renowned for his intellect, spectacles, and grand concepts, Woods was a key figure in The Arts Department. His classes also benefitted students enrolled in the Digital Media Program.

“Upon graduation, he aided his students in securing employment – whether it involved photographing for real estate firms, weddings, or fine arts photography,” Scoggins continued. “His classes were consistently at full capacity. He never struggled to fill seats in his classroom. It’s impossible to accurately quantify how many students he assisted throughout the years.”

Before coming to Polk State as an adjunct, Woods had served as a staff photographer and photography manager for Kings Dominion, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus World, and Anheuser Busch Theme Parks, notably Cypress Gardens. By that time, he had sold photographs in over 30 countries globally and had works published by the Associated Press and United Press International. His artistry was also featured in Life Magazine along with advertisements for Walmart, Foster’s Lager, and Rollins College.

“It’s rare to have someone transition into this profession after a fully achieved career as a professional,” remarked Andrew Coombs, Polk State Professor of Ceramics. “He possessed remarkable photography skills. When he transitioned into teaching, he excelled at that as well. This level of proficiency isn’t always found when individuals make that shift. He had a deep commitment to his students’ achievements and photography, and he felt that way about individuals in general. Whenever he met someone, he sought to understand who they were and what they were about.”

“David taught me the value of forming profound relationships,” Scoggins added. “I was more task-oriented when I first arrived. He reminded me that if our art wasn’t centered in what we taught, then everything else was inconsequential.”

Woods is survived by his four children – sons Brandon, Trevor, and Morgan, and daughter Brittany Westgate. He also had nine grandchildren and was anticipating his first great-grandchild.

“He was a fun-loving dad,” Westgate reminisced. “Due to his artistic nature, it felt like having Peter Pan as your father. He did extraordinary things. When we were young, he built us a tree house that was more than just a few planks on a tree; it was a lavish house. He enjoyed keeping things enjoyable and lighthearted. He was always incredibly supportive of his children.”

This supportive nature extended into the educational arena. Scoggins remembered a time when one of Woods’ students crafted an astonishing 40-inch photograph. However, to present it in a showcase, the picture required a frame. Woods, she explained, explored thrift stores and rummaged through dumpsters before discovering a sufficiently large frame, and then collaborated with The Arts Department to trim the glass to ensure it was the right size.

“He did whatever necessary to guarantee that student’s exhibition was a triumph,” Scoggins detailed. “David had immense vision. He was a big-picture thinker. If he set his mind to something, he was determined to make it a reality.”

Woods had obtained a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University before completing his master’s degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design while working at Polk State. Before his time at the College, Woods had photographed notable figures including President George Bush, Elton John, Maya Angelou, and Michael Jackson.

“When my father worked at Circus World, there was a rollercoaster that Michael Jackson was particularly fond of,” Westgate shared. “Michael visited quite often. My dad collaborated with him frequently, and they formed a friendship.”

For the initial eight years of his time at Polk State, Woods served as an adjunct. In 1997, he commenced his role as a temporary full-time professor. For the Fall 2001 Semester, Woods was designated as a permanent faculty member.

“He transitioned from a commercial photography background but excelled in weaving fine arts into his teaching,” remarked Mark Hartfield, Professor of Theatre, who first encountered Woods in 2011. “He understood how those two realms complemented one another. This understanding is vital for all artists. It’s also an excellent approach to aiding students in expanding their perspectives.”

Coombs met Woods in 2015. Two years later, they traveled together with students to Scotland as part of a study abroad program. Coombs remembered being impressed by how well-prepared Woods’ students were.

“He had ample students interested in the trip, but he needed a second professor, so I joined him,” Coombs recounted. “The theme of the trip was castles, which students were photographing. One day, while on a bus amid pouring rain, I anticipated that the day would be ruined. I looked around, and each student wore their raincoats and had protective bags for their cameras. They knew precisely what to do. He had them thoroughly prepared. The rain could have dampened spirits, but not for them. They were set to go.”

Due to the progression of Alzheimer’s, Woods had to withdraw from teaching during the Fall 2023 Semester before officially retiring in 2024. Even then, he continued to share his expertise.

In his final year, healthcare aide Annie Baker was enlisted to assist Woods for five hours each day, five days a week. Woods frequently mistook her for a student or teaching assistant and taught her photography. On some occasions, the two would embark on assignments together. With the skills she acquired from Woods, Baker has since pursued a side career in photography.

“He didn’t comprehend the term, ‘retirement,’” Westgate stated. “He was exceptional at offering critiques. He always encouraged everyone to enhance their skills and advance in their craft. He was an upbeat, fun-loving individual who simply enjoyed having a good time.”

For two weeks in December and January, Ridge Art Association showcased Woods’ artwork in its gallery as a tribute to the late Polk State professor. The Arts Department at Polk State plans to do similarly in the Spring 2025 Semester.

“He was incredibly imaginative,” Scoggins remarked. “He could perceive the beauty in unconventional things. This is a fitting way to commemorate his legacy.”