From Saudi Arabia to Utah: Dr. Norman Wright Returns to Orem to Lead Business Students
Dr. Norman Wright is pleased to return from Saudi Arabia where he was Acting Dean at Alfaisal University, to his hometown of Orem, and take on the new role as the Dean of the Woodbury School of Business. Photos courtesy of Norm Wright
The Woodbury School of Business is not only remodeling classrooms, but its administrative leadership, as well. The school will welcome Dr. Norman Wright as the new dean on July 1.
“It’s an honor to have been selected to work with the talented faculty and staff of the Woodbury School of Business as a part of the overall university team that is taking UVU to higher levels,” Wright said.
Wright grew up two blocks from campus, but has recently been working as acting dean at Alfaisal University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He hopes to bring his experiences from Alfaisal University here.
“One of the things that I had reinforced in Saudi Arabia is the importance of networks for those aspiring to careers in business. It is important for our students to become engaged in the local business community as a means of building a network,” Wright said.
According to Wright building these networks prepares students for challenging economic times.
“By continuing their education outside of the classroom, students begin to create the types of networks that will provide or make them aware of future economic activities,” Wright said.
Wright recognizes the excellent work that has gone on at the School of Business, and hopes to build upon the already strong foundation. When he arrives, he will begin a year-long strategic planning process with faculty, staff and students. He then hopes to develop broader experiences for students, and to continue identifying long-term market trends to strengthen course and program offerings.
New leadership at the Woodbury School of Business is one of many recent developments here, and Wright is excited to be a part of the growing university.
“To see UVU transform from a technical college to a full-fledged university has been exciting to me over the years. There is a genuine sense that this university will only become more and more prominent in Utah and outside the state,” Wright said.