Tamra Wright

amra O. Wright joined the Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 2016 as O'Neill's Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and as a faculty member teaching courses in criminal justice and public affairs. She is a Ph.D. candidate in the Indiana University School of Social Work (IUSSW).

As an educator working across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors for 20 years, Tamra has extensive experience leading support programs and developing partnerships with diverse stakeholders. As vice president for a national nonprofit, Tamra worked nationwide with public school districts to implement alternative education programs and supports. She has also directed secondary and postsecondary U.S. Department of Education Federal TRIO programs. In addition, Tamra served as a liaison between several government educational agencies in her role overseeing K–12 transformation efforts. In addition to her position as a full-time lecturer for the O'Neill School, Tamra also teaches noncredit courses focused on leadership and equity for IU Executive Education within O'Neill.

Trained in mediation and intergroup dialogue (IGD) facilitation, Tamra collaborates with campus and community partners to facilitate communication designed to build bridges across differences. Her research explores the intersection of social work and criminal justice with significant interests in social work practice with justice-involved youth, interdisciplinary collaboration, interprofessional practice and training, and equitable service and support integration for marginalized populations.

Education

• M.S., Criminal Justice, Southeast Missouri State University
• M.P.A., Policy Management, Georgia College and State University
• B.A., Speech Communication, University of Georgia

Highlights

• Next Generation 2.0 Leadership Program (2017–18 cohort)
• City of Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of Education, Mayor Gregory A. Ballard Acknowledgement of Service as Director of Turnaround Schools (2015)
• Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI), Educational Opportunity Association (2012)
• Outstanding Presenter, National TRIO Day, Southern Illinois University (2008)
• Outstanding Service, Crowder College Administrative Council (2005)