Remembering Dr. Eleanor Wright

UNCW’s Watson College of Education is saddened to share the news that Associate Professor Emerita Eleanor Wright, a longtime faculty member and cherished friend of the Watson College of Education, has passed away. 

Dr. Wright dedicated her life to advancing education, mentoring future educators and advocating for individuals with exceptional needs. She joined the faculty at UNCW in 1973 and retired in September 2011. During her nearly four decades of service, she played an instrumental role in developing WCE’s special education curriculum and establishing a TPYA classroom on campus in partnership with New Hanover County Schools. 

Her impact extended far beyond the classroom through her extensive professional service and leadership in educational initiatives at the university, state and national levels. Even after retirement, Dr. Wright remained deeply connected to the College as a valued member of the WCE Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff group.   

Dr. Wright was widely admired for her compassion, generosity, leadership and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and special education. Her legacy continues through the Dr. Eleanor Boyd Wright Scholarship in Special Education, which reflects her lifelong dedication to supporting and inspiring future generations of educators. 

A brief interment ceremony will be held at Sullivan Park Memorial Gardens on the grounds of Twin Lakes Community in Burlington, N.C. at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, followed by a reception at the same location. Anyone interested in attending should arrive at the Church St. (US 70) entrance to the community and tell the guard house they are there for Dr. Wright’s memorial.

Please keep Dr. Wright’s family, friends and former colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed.