Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah, recently selected Dr. Norman S. Wright (pictured; photo courtesy of UVU), a former BYU–Hawaii faculty member, to become the new dean of the Woodbury School of Business.
From 1996-2005, Dr. Wright was an associate professor in BYU–Hawaii's School of Business, teaching subjects such as management, leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic planning. As a professor, he was known for relating well to students because of his ability to effectively engage students and transform their thinking. He also participated in various faculty committees. Wright describes his first years at BYU–Hawaii as the happiest of his professional career. "During those early years at BYU–Hawaii, I had the opportunity to work alongside many talented colleagues, in addition to being mentored and supported by the finest dean I have known, Dr. Bill Neal. His example continues to shape my thinking about leadership."
Since leaving BYU–Hawaii, Dr. Wright has served as chair of the Department of Management, Marketing, and Public Administration at the American University of Sharjah, assistant dean of business sciences at Zayed University, and as a dean at American University of Nigeria. Prior to accepting the position at UVU, he was the dean of the College of Business and a professor of business management at Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia.
Of this latest opportunity, Wright said, "I am thrilled to work with the talented faculty and staff of the Woodbury School (some of whom have also worked at BYU–Hawaii previously) in continuing to promote innovative approaches to student learning, to grow the research agenda of the School, and to fulfill Utah Valley University's important mission of supporting the economic development of the State of Utah."
Having grown up in Orem and earned his master's in public administration and bachelor's degree in economics at BYU, Wright said the chance to move to UVU, "feels like going home. Serving at Utah Valley University allows me to give back to those who helped me as I was growing up by providing their children and grandchildren with the type of business education that enhances the quality of life in the region."
Dr. Wright's wife, two sons, and daughter, who currently live in Hauula, are also excited to be joining him in Utah. "It works on all fronts," he said, "as both my wife and I have family in the area, which makes the transition easier for the kids."
In addition to his degrees earned at BYU, Wright's academic credentials include a Ph.D. in management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a recognized writer, editor, and researcher. His international experience gained from serving at BYU–Hawaii and other institutions abroad further support his qualifications as a communicator and leader across disciplines and cultures.