FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2006
Contact: Michael Corby
904.632.3310

Denis Wright appointed Florida Community College South Campus president
Educator/administrator brings 30 years of academic experience to College

The District Board of Trustees of Florida Community College at Jacksonville has unanimously approved the appointment of Denis Wright, Ph.D., as South Campus president. Wright will assume the responsibilities of the office July 1.

The newly appointed president, who has 30 years of academic career experience, is currently vice president for Academic Affairs at Joliet Junior College in Illinois. Wright has held that position since 1997. He previously held three administrative positions at Shippensburg University (PA) from 1990-1997: development officer and research associate, associate dean of Arts and Sciences and director of International Education; and was associate dean of Arts and Sciences at Winthrop University (SC) from 1982-1990. He was an associate professor at Franklin Pierce College (NH), from 1978-1982; and a residence hall director at University of Connecticut, 1976-1978.

“Dr. Wright’s professional qualifications are as impeccable as his history of successful academic leadership is impressive,” said Florida Community College President Steven R. Wallace. “I am certain that he is an excellent fit for South Campus and that he will maintain the extraordinary quality of leadership for which Dr. Will was so well respected.”

Wright holds a B.A. in Anthropology from University of Massachusetts (Amherst); and both an M.S. in Biobehavioral Sciences and Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from University of Connecticut (Storrs).

“I am glad to have this opportunity to work with Dr. Wallace and the entire management team of Florida Community College at Jacksonville,” said Wright. “I look forward to joining administrators, faculty, and staff of the South Campus and the Deerwood Center and building on their traditions of quality educational experiences.”

Wright succeeds Norman Will, Ph.D., who passed away in September 2005. Nancy Yurko, Ph.D. continues to act as interim president at South Campus until Wright arrives. Wright reports to College President Wallace.