Former administrator, faculty member
Dr. Don Wright dies Dec. 20

Dec. 29, 2009 -- Former Arkansas State University administrator and faculty member Dr. Donald Wright passed away Sunday, Dec. 20, in Jonesboro. He was 77 years old.

Dr. Wright joined the faculty at ASU in 1970 and served in the Department of Educational Administration. He was the associate vice president of academic affairs until his retirement in 1997. A presidential partner for ASU, Dr. Wright was also a charter member of Mid-South Research Association and a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for educators.

An avid golfer, Dr. Wright was a strong supporter of ASU’s athletic program and was a longtime member of the Indian Club which later became the Red Wolf Club. In addition, he was active in several community organizations as well as with his church.

A graduate of Southwestern State College with a bachelor of science in education degree in 1957 and a master’s degree in education in 1961, Dr. Wright went on to earn a doctorate in education in 1970 from the University of Denver.

He is survived by his wife, Myra Cooksey Wright; two sons, Alan and Robert; two daughters, Donnell Reece and Susan Chadwick; eight grandchildren; a brother, Robert, and sisters Fern Short and Freda Schutes.

Lasting memorials may be made to the Hearts and Visions Building Fund at Cornerstone United Methodist Church or the Don Wright Scholarship Fund for the Department of Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University.

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