Dr. Brandon J. Wright has been named interim assistant dean of student success for the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie.
Wright, who is passionate about student achievement, joined USC Salkehatchie in 2021 as director of student success and engagement. His new position allows him to expand on his vision of creating student environments that provide multiple opportunities for students to realize their goals of obtaining a college education.
“Dr. Wright’s experience, academic work, personality, and commitment to student success make him the ideal person to fill this new role,” Interim Dean John Catalano said. “His experience will help USC Salkehatchie fulfill its academic mission and we are excited about the contributions he will make to our campus community.”
Wright’s primary responsibility will be to ensure that students receive the assistance they need to remain in school and graduate while having the college experience. He will oversee student support services, including enrollment management, financial aid, student records, educational partnerships, academic advising and student life.
Wright is eager to begin working with the students, staff and faculty to create the ideal “Salkehatchie Experience” that will foster holistic success from a student’s admission to degree completion.
“As a son of the Lowcountry, I am excited and humbled to serve our students and families. Serving in this role is my way of using my gifts, talents and education to say thank you and give back to my community,” Wright said. “Having this opportunity to serve at Salkehatchie is nostalgic for me, but it is also a new adventure filled with countless possibilities that will benefit our entire campus community. My goal is to help create life-long memories for our students as they reflect on their time at Salkehatchie.”
Wright believes that a bolstering, rich student experience is one of the most important elements of student success.
“I will work to ensure our students have that experience. Although we are in trying times, these are also exciting times for higher education in crafting innovative and cutting-edge ways of recruiting, retaining, and engaging our students. I have been fortunate to realize that student success is my calling and not merely an occupation. My passion for the success and wellbeing of my students is what fuels me to continue to learn, grow and advocate on their behalf,” he said.
Wright brings years of experience in higher education serving in various roles at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and Midlands Technical College. While at USC Beaufort, Wright served as assistant director of academic coaching and coordinator of the Sand Shark Scholars program. In those roles, he helped at-risk and first-generation college students succeed while creating initiatives that enhanced the college experience. Wright also assisted in implementing programs to promote diversity, inclusion and student engagement at USCB.
Wright holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Mercer University. He earned his master’s degree from Columbia College and his bachelor’s from Benedict College.