Air Force General To Lead UA School Of Leadership And Policy

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright will become the inaugural dean of The University of Alabama’s new School of Leadership and Policy on August 1. The Alabama and longtime leader at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery has a long history of distinguished leadership.

Wright holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, along with master’s degrees in military operational art and airpower strategy from Air University, where he graduated at the top of his classes. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

At Maxwell's  Air University, Wright oversaw education and leadership development programs serving more than 170,000 students annually. He has also commanded the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, where he led a global workforce of 4,200 military, civilian and contracted personnel, oversaw a $480 million annual budget, and directed intelligence analysis for the White House, Congress and combatant commanders.

Most recently Wright commanded the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education.

“Maj. Gen. Wright is an accomplished leader with a proven ability to develop people, shape strategy and drive innovation at scale,” UA President Peter J. Mohler stated in the press release announcing the appointment. “Across decades of national security leadership, including numerous commands in multiple theaters and several Pentagon tours, he has guided large, mission-driven teams through high-stakes decisions and delivered intelligence analysis relied upon at the highest levels of government. 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. We are excited to welcome him to the Capstone.”

“I am honored to join The University of Alabama and help launch a School dedicated to developing principled, forward-thinking leaders,” Wright said in response to his appointment. “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the importance of collaboration, innovation and disciplined decision-making. I look forward to working with faculty, students and partners to build programs that prepare graduates to tackle complex challenges and serve with impact.”

Survey after survey has revealed public dissatisfaction with the quality of leadership across nearly every facet of society. The new UA program is an attempt to answer the need for quality leadership, it offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in public policy and leadership. Classes are officially set to begin in Fall 2027, and the school will be headquartered in historic Farrah Hall on campus.