As the next generation of Alabamians helps the country move forward through the 21st century, they will be faced with new and complex challenges. Our future leaders will need to be prepared for whatever obstacles may stand in their way.
This is why The University of Alabama has formally established the School of Leadership and Policy. Through practice-oriented, interdisciplinary education, the new school will help transform students into visionary leaders in business, public service and beyond.
To help turn this idea into a reality, the University has appointed retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright as its inaugural dean.
A Proven Strategist for a Transformative Role
(The University of Alabama/Contributed)
Wright’s career has taken him across the country and around the world, but the opportunity arose for him to use his background as an intelligence officer and five-time commander to lead students in his home state of Alabama.
After University leaders conducted a national search, they became fully confident that Wright was the right fit to lead the school. His demonstrated track record of institutional leadership, strategic foresight and passion for educating the next generation of leaders will fuel the creation of the school.
His assignments have included serving as director of intelligence and information for the U.S. Northern Command and NORAD, commander of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), and director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations at the Pentagon, where he oversaw force development and policy for a $30 billion enterprise.
“Maj. Gen. Wright is an accomplished leader with a proven ability to develop people, shape strategy and drive innovation at scale,” said UA President Peter J. Mohler. “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.”
Wright has guided young leaders throughout the military and government for decades. He believes that what he’s learned will come in handy at one of the first dedicated Schools of Leadership and Policy in the Southeast.
Wright doesn’t just have extensive military credentials; he has years of experience in academia.
He 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, Alabama. In that role, he led academic and leadership development programs serving more than 170,000 military, civilian and international students annually.
Wright’s efforts modernized curricula to emphasize experiential learning, artificial intelligence integration and cross-sector collaboration—competencies directly aligned with the mission of the new school.
A Vision Centered on Principled Public Service
One of Alabama’s own is ready to give future leaders an amazing chance to grow.
Wrights’s goal is to take the lessons he’s learned throughout his career and help build bridges between policy theory and real-world application, which he believes is a crucial component of helping those who will become true leaders.
“I am honored to join The University of Alabama and help launch a School dedicated to developing principled, forward-thinking leaders,” Wright said. “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.”
The school plans to launch degree offerings, including undergraduate and graduate programs in organizational leadership and public policy. These key areas of study will mean talented young Alabamians will have important learning opportunities that are available to them in their own backyard.
Roadmap to Launch
The University of Alabama has outlined a multi-phase implementation schedule leading up to the school’s first cohort.
- Organizational Structuring: Establishing departmental frameworks, academic governance and securing degree program accreditations.
- Faculty Recruitment: Bringing together leading academic scholars, veteran policymakers and former public executives to build a multidisciplinary teaching team.
- Inaugural Cohort (Fall 2027): Welcoming the first official class of degree-seeking students to campus.
Under Wright’s leadership, the School of Leadership and Policy is positioned to expand Alabama’s capacity to develop ethical, analytically skilled leaders ready to address challenges at the state, regional, national and global levels.
Alabama has many talented leaders who are looking for a chance to hone their leadership skills without having to travel away from the state they love. The University of Alabama School of Leadership and Policy will offer prestigious lessons in leadership right here in Alabama.
