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Maria Wright

Maria Wright

Professor of Education

Dr. Maria Wright started her professional career at Bakersfield College in 2012 and has held various roles throughout her tenure. Currently, she serves as the lead Faculty for the Aspire Faculty Diversification Fellowship Program, which provides post-baccalaureate STEM students who are interested in teaching at a two-year college with an opportunity to participate in a mentorship collaboration with a Bakersfield College faculty member. Through this program, participants gain exposure to the community college culture, including best practices for teaching and supporting the diverse group of students who are enrolled at a rural California community college.

Dr. Wright also coordinates the Applied Leadership Certificate of Completion Program. These programmatic courses allow learners to explore introductory theoretical and practitioner-based approaches to leadership in complex organizational settings.

Dr. Wright has served as the director for academic support services for several years, helping centralize efforts to provide wraparound support for students. This effort focused on enhancing the out-of-class academic experience for Bakersfield College students. Dr. Wright has also served as an educational advisor.

As a first-generation graduate who faced many obstacles to attain her degrees, Dr. Wright is passionate about increasing equity, inclusion, and diversity in higher education institutions.

Education

  • Ed.D., Educational Leadership, California State University, Fresno
  • M.A., Educational Administration, California State University, Bakersfield
  • B.A., Political Science, California State University, Long Beach

Projects

  • Institutional Self-Assessment for Inclusive Faculty Recruitment, Hiring & Retention Tool