Jamel Wright

Dr. Jamel Wright is in her seventh year as President of Eureka College and is the first woman and African-American to lead the over 167-year-old institution. Under her leadership, Eureka College has experienced many successes include being more financially viable, increasing its endowment, becoming less tuition-dependent, and increasing its visibility and strategic partnerships. 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 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 Boston College, Saint Louis University and the University of Kansas. She 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.” Dr. Wright is a St. Louis, Mo. native, and 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.