Retired Air Force General Named First Dean Of UA's School Of Leadership And Policy

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright has been selected as the inaugural dean of The University of Alabama's new School of Leadership and Policy.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

University officials on Tuesday announced his first day on the job will be Aug. 1.

Wright brings more than 30 years of experience in military leadership, education and national security policy to the position.

He most recently served as commander of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education and deputy commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery.

UA President Peter Mohler said Wright's extensive leadership experience made him an ideal choice to launch the new school.

"Maj. Gen. Wright is an accomplished leader with a proven ability to develop people, shape strategy and drive innovation at scale," Mohler said in a statement. "His commitment to leadership development and his experience working across complex organizations position him well to build a dynamic school that prepares the next generation of leaders."

As dean, Wright will oversee the establishment and growth of the School of Leadership and Policy, which the university says will focus on developing leaders, strengthening communities and expanding UA's global impact.

He will also work with campus leaders and external partners to create interdisciplinary programs centered on public service, policy and leadership development.

Wright said he is honored to help build the new school.

"Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the importance of collaboration, innovation and disciplined decision-making," he said. "I look forward to working with faculty, students and partners to build programs that prepare graduates to tackle complex challenges and serve with impact."

A career intelligence officer and five-time commander, Wright held several senior positions within the Department of Defense.

He served as director of intelligence and information for United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, supporting homeland defense and national security operations.

At the Pentagon, Wright served as director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, where he oversaw policy, force development and readiness for a $30 billion Air Force enterprise. He also helped develop the Air Force's information warfare strategy and supported efforts to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and cloud-based technologies.

Wright previously commanded the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, leading a workforce of more than 4,200 personnel and managing a $480 million annual budget. In that role, he directed intelligence analysis provided to the White House, Congress and military commanders while advancing machine learning and artificial intelligence initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Wright led intelligence operations supporting the National Security Agency and United States Cyber Command and helped establish the Air Force's first cyber mission teams.

During his tenure at Air University, Wright oversaw education and leadership development programs serving more than 170,000 students annually, including military personnel, civilians and international partners. He led curriculum modernization efforts and expanded partnerships with academic institutions and industry organizations.

Wright earned a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and holds additional master's degrees in military operational art and airpower strategy from Air University. He received his bachelor's degree from United States Air Force Academy.

An Alabama native, Wright has received numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com