Amy Wright
AUBURN, Ala.—Amy Wright, the Harry G. Ponder Endowed Professor of Horticulture in Auburn University’s Department of Horticulture, will assume the position of interim associate dean for instruction in the College of Agriculture at Auburn effective May 16, Dean Paul Patterson has announced.
An internal search for an interim associate dean began in February when Patterson, who had served as the college’s associate dean for instruction since 2009, was named dean of the college and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.
“Dr. Wright has a strong record of teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and of leading curriculum and academic assessment activities at Auburn,” Patterson said. “I’m looking forward to the new perspectives she will bring to this important position in the College of Agriculture.”
Wright joined the Auburn faculty as an assistant professor of landscape horticulture in 2002, shortly after completing her Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University. She was promoted to associate professor five years later and to full professor in 2013.
In addition to an intense research focus on resource conservation and sustainability in landscape horticulture, Wright has robust instructional and advising programs that emphasize student engagement in the learning process through practical, real-world experiences.
She said she values the opportunity to serve as an interim administrator for Auburn agriculture.
“I’m grateful to be a part of the academic family in the College of Agriculture at Auburn and honored to be selected as interim associate dean for instruction,” Wright said. “I’m excited about the opportunities for service and collaboration the position offers, and I look forward to working with our students, faculty and staff in support of our instructional, advising and recruiting programs.”
Wright will serve as interim until a national search for a continuing associate dean for instruction for the College of Agriculture is completed. Patterson said that search process will get underway in the coming weeks.
In announcing Wright’s appointment, Patterson applauded horticulture department head and professor Dave Williams for his service as acting associate dean for instruction during the February-May gap.
“Dr. Williams has done an outstanding job overseeing student affairs during this time,” Patterson said.
