Barry Wright, a member of the University’s Business faculty since 2003, will become the new Interim Dean of Brock’s Goodman School of Business, it was announced Thursday, Nov. 26 by University President Jack Lightstone.

Wright begins his new duties on Dec. 1, accepting an appointment that is set to run until June, 2017.

Currently an Associate Professor in the Goodman School, Wright’s research has largely focused on leadership, organizational change and how small business can use information technology.

Business students voted him Professor of the Year in 2009, and his academic record includes being author or co-author of multiple books, book chapters and other publications, peer-reviewed journal articles and conference submissions.

Wright has considerable administrative experience through roles in both the University and off-campus.

At Brock he is currently Director of the Niagara Community Observatory. He also served as Interim Associate Dean of the Business faculty from 2008-10, and was on special assignment in the Provost’s office in 2011.

In the surrounding Niagara community Wright has served on numerous agencies and organizations, including his current roles as board chair of the Niagara Health System, and board member for Leadership Niagara.

Wright acknowledged it will be a busy and exciting time for the Goodman School as it prepares to undertake a major $22-million renovation and expansion that will modernize existing facilities plus add more than 25,000 square feet of new space.

“I’m happy that we have three past deans still with the Faculty — Don Cyr, Barbara Sainty and Martin Kusy,” said Wright. “So there’s a solid foundation for me to inherit and build on, it’s a fortunate situation for me.

“I’m just looking forward to working with all of the great faculty and staff here at Goodman. More than anything, we will all continue to create an environment in which our students can flourish.”