Elizabeth Wright, regional chancellor for Pennsylvania State University’s Hazelton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre campuses, stepped down from her administrative role on August 31. She will remain at Penn State Hazelton as an associate professor of English.
Dr. Wright was named chancellor of Penn State Hazelton in 2022. Two years later, she was promoted to regional chancellor, gaining oversight of the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre locations. During her tenure, she fostered collaboration across the three campuses, strengthening their academic programs and aligning resources to support students, faculty, and staff. A Penn State Hazelton faculty member since 2000, she has held several leadership roles, including director of academic affairs for the Hazelton campus and associate dean of academic affairs in the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses.
“I am incredibly grateful to the faculty, staff, students and loyal partners in the northeast — and to my colleagues across Penn State — for their support, collaboration and passionate dedication,” said Dr. Wright. “Together, we’ve accomplished so much through initiatives like the Pasco L. Schiavo Scholars Program, our partnership with the Hazleton Area School District, and the creation of out-of-classroom experiences such as the student garden, greenhouse, and apiary in Scranton. In this next chapter, I look forward to returning to what first inspired me to work in higher education: the opportunity to work side by side with students every day.”
Dr. Wright received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of New Hampshire. She holds a master’s degree and doctorate in English language and literature from the University of New Mexico.