Charles Wright, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at FAMU, has been named the new executive director for the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center (JECUTC) at South Carolina State University.As the executive director of the JECUTC, Wright will oversee the day-to-day operations of the transportation center and work to further position the center as an integral partner for the state and nation in the development of various aspects of the transportation industry.
“South Carolina and the nation are teeming with opportunities for SC State to assist and lead in the advancement of transportation technologies and to address critical needs of transportation in South Carolina and the nation,” said President George E. Cooper. “Dr. Wright is an exceptional and experienced professional, adept at leading the transportation center in excellence in scholarship, innovation and discovery.”
“I am delighted to serve in the capacity of executive director of the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center,” said Wright. “I intend to continue directing the legacy of the transportation center as a valuable resource for the state of South Carolina and the nation in training competent professionals in safety, hazardous materials and logistics and conducting research that enhances the modes of transporting people and commodities.”
Wright previously served as professor emeritus and research engineer in the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
For much of his career, Wright was employed at FAMU, where he held several positions, including transportation research engineer, professor, department chair of civil engineering technology, program area coordinator and principal investigator for various studies in the FAMU Transportation Safety Center and division director of engineering technology.
The seasoned grant writer and research scientist has been awarded over $3 million in grant funding from various federal and state agencies during his tenure at FAMU. He has also authored and co-authored more than 50 articles in journals, books, reports and conference proceedings in civil engineering, technology, safety and assessment. He has also served on several National Research Council Transportation Research Board committees.
Wright earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering technology from Savannah State University, Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and Master of Engineering in civil and public works engineering from the University of Florida, and terminal degree in civil engineering transportation from Vanderbilt University.
He and his wife, Barbara, have three adult children and five grandchildren.