College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Fortner-Wood joined Winthrop’s Department of Psychology in 1998. Her research focuses on early development, in particular the long-term effects of early relationships. Her professional service includes consulting on attachment in adoption in S.C. family courts and using evaluation to improve federally-funded programs (e.g, U.S. Department of Education and SAMHSA grants). She is the Co-Chair of the National Council on Family Relations Adoption and Foster Care Focus Group. She serves on the Boards of Directors for the Children’s Attention Home and Faces and Voices of Recovery - Piedmont.

Fortner-Wood received Winthrop’s Kinard Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017). College of Arts and Sciences' Outstanding Advising Award (2005), and multiple awards for service. Her campus service includes serving as the Chair of Faculty Conference (2007-09), Chair of the College Faculty Assembly (2003-04), and Chair of the Psychology Department’s Curriculum and Assessment Committee. However, she is most proud of her involvement in Winthrop’s numerous successful bids for U.S. Department of Education TRiO Student Support Services and Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate grants which provide life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged students. In addition to her role in Psychology, Fortner-Wood is the Director of the Winthrop McNair Scholars Program which is housed in University College.