Wright Gift Expands Access to International Education, Names Office of Study Abroad

Photo by Brandon Ngo

Marshall and Kristen Wright with Chancellor Charles Robinson.

A $500,000 gift from Kristen and Marshall Wright will establish a new endowed scholarship in the Graduate School and International Education, creating more opportunities for University of Arkansas students to study abroad.

The Kristen Collier Wright International Education and Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship will support undergraduate and graduate students who pursue international learning experiences as a part of their college studies. The Wright scholarship will help cover costs including program fees, tuition and other travel-related expenses. 

“Educational access is a cornerstone of our land-grant mission,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “This scholarship will advance that mission by breaking down financial barriers and ensuring that more U of A students get to experience the life-changing opportunities that studying abroad offers. We are deeply grateful to the Wrights for their generous gift and the lasting impact it will have on our students’ personal and professional growth.”

The Wright family: (from L to R) Syble, Marshall, Kristen and Collier

As an undergraduate, Kristen Wright traveled to Japan and England through the U of A’s study abroad program.

“My study abroad experiences changed my life by pushing me into completely unfamiliar surroundings where I learned about fascinating cultures, people and history, and just as importantly, learned the value of constant intellectual curiosity,” she said. “The U of A shaped so much of my family’s story, and I want every student who attends to come away with the same kind of exceptional educational experience, deep friendships, and Razorback pride that my family has loved.”

Kristen’s heart for globally focused experiences will give students the chance to participate in the journey of a lifetime. As a tribute to the Wrights’ steadfast commitment to students, the study abroad office has been named the Kristen Collier Wright Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange. 

“Participating in study abroad and international education programs are often transformative educational experiences for students. With a magnificent gift in honor of Kristen Collier Wright, the Wright family is helping increase access to and affordability of international education, especially for students facing financial challenges,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We are so grateful to the Wrights for choosing to support students in this very meaningful and significant way.”

“This is a transformational gift, and we are so thankful to Marshall and Kristen for their generous support of our study abroad programs,” said Ed Pohl, dean of the Graduate School and International Education. “Study abroad experiences are crucial to both the personal and professional development of our students. We hear time and time again that not only do they gain a deeper appreciation of the world during their study abroad excursions, but they also gain valuable professional development opportunities that become strong resume boosters in an increasingly globalized job market. This scholarship will help more students take part in these experiences that will forever change the trajectory of their lives.” 

The Wrights are both proud U of A alumni and have remained involved with their beloved alma mater since graduation. Kristen Wright earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with honors from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law. She was a member of the Alpha of Arkansas Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Marshall Wright holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Sam M. Walton College of Business, and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law. They are life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, members of the Chancellor’s Society and the Razorback Foundation, and the Cardinal & White and Towers of Old Main giving societies. Kristen serves as treasurer on the Arkansas Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors. 

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.