Leeann Wright
What are you hoping to accomplish and or offer to GSAC?
My personal mission statement is to lead a life of significance and service and I aim to bring that ideal to my role with GSAC. I am committed to serving my fellow graduate students and look forward to building a more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible in-person and online community for all.
By elevating the voice the graduate community, I hope to improve the Valpo experience from the moment of application to the day we don the cap and gown – and beyond!
What are three expectations that you have of this council?
- To give voice to and amplify the joys, ideas, and concerns of graduate students.
- Develop the Valpo network of current graduate students and alumni.
- Collaborate across programs to build a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Have some fun!
How do you plan to represent graduate students on GSAC?
I will proudly sport my “Valpo Grad School” gear to campus functions and in the community, in order to spark conversation about Valpo’s graduate programs. In the digital world, I would love to build a strong network of graduate students and alumni on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeannzwright/ Building the online network would be a wonderful way to share our accomplishments, job opportunities, and serve as a resource for all Valpo working professionals.
As an MBA student, I plan to provide 1-2 updates per semester to my fellow students. I know inboxes can swiftly be swamped, so I want to ensure everyone is informed, but does not feel overwhelmed. I also plan to have a few “Google Hangouts” or Zoom chat sessions, for any online students that would like to connect to discuss their ideas and/or concerns. I am always up for grabbing coffee for a face-to-face visit as well!
What led to your decision to become a graduate student at Valpo?
Valpo’s mission statement focuses on preparing students to lead and serve – as a professional in the field of fundraising, this is quite attractive to me. I chose the MBA program for several reasons, the first being that the College of Business holds students to a high standard and expects us to make a positive impact – “to do well by doing good.” Secondly, the College is AACSB-accredited, placing Valpo among the top 5% of business schools world-wide. The option to focus my studies on management was ideal, as I want to purse a leadership role further down the line in my career. Lastly, the flexibility the online MBA offers perfectly fits my schedule. Valpo makes it possible for me to pursue my degree while working full-time, with family responsibilities at home, by allowing me to pursue my MBA wherever I happen to be on a timeline that is manageable for all facets of my life.
What is one interesting fact about yourself?
I once performed (very briefly) on the Globe Stage in London.
What is your favorite food?
Anything delicious and nutritious! Currently, I am really into exploring different types of curry from around the world. Butternut squash anything is also a favorite!