A graduate of Southern Junior College, Mabel Wood returned to teach piano at her alma mater, renamed Southern Missionary College, in 1949. Although she started as a grade school teacher in the South, most of her 52-year career would be spent teaching music at the college level. Prior to coming to SMC, she had taught at Southwestern Junior and Union Colleges. While at the latter, she completed a master's degree at the University of Nebraska.

Described as a refined and elegant person by her colleagues, Wood was respected by them and loved by her students, who were inspired by their contact with her in piano and organ lessons and the theory classes she taught. She served as church organist at SAU for many years.

Following her retirement in 1967, she became Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, a position she held until her death nine years later. In that position she revised and updated an earlier history about the school, A School of His Planning, which was released in 1972 as part of the college's 80th anniversary celebration. An Emeritus Associate Professor, she was untiring in her efforts to help raise funds for the new music building, which was named for her following her death.

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