Dr. Jamel Wright
President
Education: Ph.D. Communication Studies, University of Kansas; M.S. Communication Studies, University of Kansas; B.A. Communication Studies, Missouri Western State University
Department: President's Office
Address: Burrus Dickinson
Dr. Wright is a St. Louis, Mo. native, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and participates in many organizations and community efforts. She enjoys spending time with family, especially her daughter Kaiya, stepson TJ and husband, Telly. Dr. Wright received a doctorate and a master’s degree, both from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, Mo., all in communication studies.
Professional Activity: Dr. Wright is in her 7th year as President of Eureka College and is the first woman and African-American to lead the institution. Under her leadership, Eureka College has experienced many successes that include being more financially viable, significantly increasing its endowment, becoming less tuition-dependent by diversifying its revenue and increasing its visibility and strategic partnerships.
She is a student-centered and people-focused leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education and a Ph.D. in Communication with expertise in strategic communications, crisis management, leadership development and intercultural communication.
Dr. Wright has been honored with many accolades for her commitment to service and coalition-building. These include being inducted into the Peoria African American Hall of Fame and receiving the 2019 Mayor’s Community Service Award from Peoria, IL Mayor Jim Ardis. Her board service includes the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Illinois Independent Colleges & Universities (FIICU) and Carle Health.
Community Engagement: In addition to being a well-published scholar and author, Dr. Wright is a respected trainer and consultant on current issues related to communication, leadership development, and diversity & inclusion. She was one of several experts called upon to serve in Ferguson, Mo. as part of the Ferguson Commission’s Citizen Law Enforcement Working Group on community policing, racial profiling, use of force, and mass demonstrations.
Since her days as the Coordinator of the America Reads Program, President of the St. Joseph Area Literacy Coalition and as a teacher and trainer with the Children’s Defense Fund’s Freedom School Initiative, Dr. Wright has demonstrated an enduring passion for education and servant leadership.
As a first-generation undergraduate student, she realized her calling in higher education and has successfully answered that call evidenced not only by her years as President but also her broad range of experience including chief diversity officer, academic advisor, and faculty member at well-known institutions like Boston College, Saint Louis University and the University of Kansas.
Dr. Wright is a staunch advocate for young people who represents an intrusive, student-centered approach and lives by the motto “to whom much is given, much is expected and required.”
Uniquely Eureka Experience: “We are #UniquelyEureka. The opportunities you will find here are endless, and you won’t find them anywhere else. You will be challenged and supported as you hold the world in your hands. If you dream it, you can achieve it at Eureka College. Our academic setting is different from anything you’ve experienced, you’ll learn to be a problem solver and a critical thinker.”
About: Dr. Wright is a St. Louis, Mo. native, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and participates in many organizations and community efforts. She enjoys spending time with family, especially her daughter Kaiya, her stepson TJ and her husband, Telly. Dr. Wright received a doctorate and a master’s degree, both from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, Mo., all in communication studies.