Looking ahead : John Wright plans to make the most of his one-year interim dean assignment. (Photo by Andrea Morales)
The Fab Two: John Wright (right) was named teacher of the year
in 1990, along with another Beatles fan, William McKeen.
The Wright Plan
When Executive Associate Dean John Wright gets behind the College’s wheel July 1, he plans to slam on the accelerator.
Although he’s still formulating his plan for his interim dean assignment, which is expected to last a year, Wright says he wants to:
- Continue exploring options for “shared governance” – the increased consultation and inclusion of faculty in running the College. “I will be an enthusiastic supporter as the College adapts its shared governance plan in the coming year.”
- Expand convergence. Wright wants the College to become a leader in multi-media training.
- Develop long-distance education programs. He’s been studying the successful UF Warrington College of Business Administration model.
- Grow graduate enrollment.
“We need to meet as a faculty and discuss creative ways to accomplish this.”
–Boaz Dvir
Wright
man for the job
John Wright, who became the College’s interim dean July 1, started his academic career accidentally.
He went to grad school at the University of Central Florida in Orlando to pursue a career as a media and government consultant. Before his professors asked him to teach, he had never considered taking the academic track. “I ended up loving it,” he said.
He felt the same about conducting research. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is what I want to do,’ ” said Wright, who would go on to publish his research in such refereed journals as Communication Law and Policy.
After earning his master’s from UCF, he went to Ohio State University to earn a PhD. He taught telecommunication news, research and other courses at Purdue University-Fort Wayne for two years and at the University of Alabama-Birmingham for four. He found a permanent home at UF in 1982.
Wright – who co-authored three books, including Perspectives on Radio and Television – became an administrator by accident, too. When Prof. Emeritus Kurt Kent stepped down as associate dean for graduate studies in the early 1990s, several faculty members told Wright, “You’re the guy.”
Wright never imagined becoming an administrator. He enjoyed teaching too much, and it showed – the College named him Teacher of the Year three times. “I care about the students,” he said.
He agreed to take the position only after then-Dean Ralph Lowenstein promised he could teach one course a semester. In 1999, when he became executive associate dean, he again worried about having to give up teaching. He’s been able to teach one course a year. He realizes he’ll have no time to teach during his year as interim dean, but he plans to return to it even if he becomes permanent dean.
‘Capture a crowd’
Wright, who grew up in Greenville, S.C., moved to Florida at the age of 13 when his father bought an AM station in Avon Park, an hour south of Orlando.
“[Wright] had his own little radio show when he was only a freshman,” said Ken Dixon, Wright’s best friend since high school. “It made him even more popular than he already was.”
Ken Dixon
It also allowed Wright – who continued in radio through grad school – to fine-tune his public speaking skills.
“He can really capture a crowd,” said Dixon, a real estate developer. “He picked up a lot of his attributes from his father.” They include broadcasting, oratory skills – “he always had the gift of gab” – and singing. Dixon is unsure where Wright’s propensity to pull off “harmless pranks” came from – or his athleticism.
“He was a natural athlete,” he said. “He could catch any football that came close.”
Wright, who lettered in football, basketball and track, pursued a dream when he tried out for wide receiver at Furman University in South Carolina. Growing up, he attended nearly every Furman football game with his father. “I quickly realized I was too small,” said Wright, who weighed 155 pounds. “It was smart to leave.”
A Gator for life
In recent years, Wright has had chances to apply for dean positions around the country, Dixon said. “He was invited to submit his resume, but he loves UF and has no desire to leave.”
His appreciation has only intensified over the decades. “John’s heart is big for this College,” UF Provost Janie Fouke told the faculty after announcing Wright’s interim dean appointment in March. Judging by the prolonged, thunderous applause that followed the announcement, the College embraces his passion.
“He has all the qualities of a good administrator,” Dean Terry Hynes said. “He’s bright, competent, hard-working and dedicated. He has great interpersonal skills. And he believes helping students learn is job No. 1.”
One of the best things to come out of the announcement, Wright said, has been hearing from former students. “I’ve always kept in touch,” he said, “but I’ve gotten quite a few e-mails lately.”
Wright listens well and will make a “wonderful ambassador” for the College, Hynes said. He’ll be able to build on its strong reputation – nationally, among journalism and communication professionals and academics; as well as on campus.
“You can’t undercut what you have that’s excellent,” Fouke told the faculty during the Weimer Hall meeting. “You didn’t get to where you are – the pinnacle – accidentally.”
