Wright State University
A portrait of Cheryl B. Schrader, Wright State University’s seventh president, serving from 2017-2019.
Turning Points was presented to Wright State University by sculptor David Black in 1998. It resides in the plaza next to University Hall on the main campus in Fairborn Ohio. Those most familiar with the artwork (i.e., Wright State students, faculty, and staff affectionately refer to it as B.A.R.T. (“big artsy red thing”).
Located in Fairborn, Ohio, Wright State University is a notable public institution known for its commitment to research. Established in 1964, the university initially served as a joint branch of Miami University and Ohio State University. By 1967, it had emerged as an independent entity and was named to honor the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, famed aviation innovators from the Dayton area. Wright State University provides a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, earning recognition for substantial research activities.
Moreover, the university’s sports teams, known as the Wright State Raiders, compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Horizon League. The university also includes a regional branch, the Wright State University–Lake Campus, near Celina, Ohio.
Historical Background
Wright State University’s journey began as a branch of two major universities in 1964, housed initially in a single facility. The institution’s foundation was laid in 1961, recognizing the need for a public university in the region. A significant community fundraising campaign in 1962 raised the necessary initial funding. Much of the university’s land was generously provided by the U.S. Air Force, repurposed from the excess grounds of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
In 1965, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation converting the branch into an independent entity with its own advisory committee. Rapid enrollment growth led to the anticipation of full independence by 1967. Officially becoming Wright State University in 1967, the institution was named to honor the Wright brothers. A significant expansion occurred in 1969 with the opening of a 173-acre branch campus on Grand Lake St. Marys in Celina, Ohio.
Recent Developments (2017–Present)
The university marked its 50th anniversary in 2017 with various events and a dedicated website. In that year, Wright State also transitioned to a tobacco-free environment for its Dayton and Lake campuses. The faculty, represented by the American Association of University Professors, experienced a notable strike in 2019 due to contract negotiation challenges, eventually concluding after 20 days. Susan Edwards assumed the presidency in 2020, following a line of distinguished leaders.
Political Events
In 2008, during the U.S. presidential campaign, Wright State was a focal point when Republican candidate John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential choice. Barack Obama, the eventual winner, also held a significant rally at the university. The 2016 U.S. presidential campaign saw Wright State initially chosen to host the first presidential debate, which was later moved due to financial considerations.
Wright State University is accredited and offers a wide range of programs through its seven colleges and three schools. It provides numerous bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including an acclaimed School of Medicine established in 1973. The university has been recognized in various national and global rankings.
Additional Highlights?
The university hosts Air Force and Army ROTC programs and is home to the Ohio Center of Excellence in Knowledge-Enabled Computing (Kno.e.sis). Another notable initiative is CELIA (Collaboration, Education, Leadership, and Innovation in the Arts), fostering artistic and educational collaborations. The university also supports an active Greek life with several fraternities and sororities.
Athletics
The Wright State Raiders, representing the university in Division I NCAA sports, have a strong presence in college athletics. The men’s basketball team notably participated in the NCAA Tournament in 2018.
Aerial view of Fairborn, a city in Greene County, Ohio, United States, taken from over Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Interstate 675 is visible as the major highway on the right side. Picture taken from a Diamond Eclipse light airplane at an altitude of 3,480 feet MSL and a bearing of approximately 80º.