Wright Named IWU's First Provost

Dr. David Wright, a former professor and administrator at Indiana Wesleyan University, has returned to the Marion campus to become IWU’s first Provost and Chief Academic Officer. He began work June 1.

Dr. Wright recently completed three years as Dean of the School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. Previously, he served for 11 years at IWU in a variety of leadership positions, including Vice President for Adult and Graduate Studies.

“I am absolutely convinced that David possesses the gifts, graces and passion to serve with distinction as our Provost and Chief Academic Officer,” said Dr. Henry Smith, IWU President.

“David is uniquely prepared to provide outstanding leadership for all facets of academics at IWU from adult degree completion, to graduate programs, and to our traditional-aged students. I believe that God has prepared him for this assignment – and he feels led back to his alma mater,” Dr. Smith said.

Dr. Wright was hired after a nationwide search that took more than a year.

As Provost, Dr. Wright will be a member of IWU’s executive leadership team and will serve as the senior academic administrator for the University’s three academic units – the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Graduate Studies and the College of Adult and Professional Studies.

Dr. Wright earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries from IWU in 1977. He also has a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from George Fox University, Portland, Oregon, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Wright was raised in the Philippines where his parents, Wayne and Virginia Wright, were Wesleyan missionaries. Wayne Wright later served as General Director of World Missions for The Wesleyan Church.

Dr. Wright and his wife, Helen, have two daughters and one grandchild.