James A. Wright Jr. has been named vice president for finance and operations at Anderson University.
Wright joins the university after a long tenure at the South Carolina Baptist Convention, where for more than three decades he oversaw the financial operations, statewide denominational facilities and human resource functions of the convention. His most recent assignment at the convention was as associate executive director and chief financial officer. He assumed his duties at Anderson University on Oct. 31.
James Wright“James Wright is one of the most respected and admired leaders in South Carolina Baptist life I know,” said Anderson University president Evans Whitaker. “In guiding the SCBC from a business standpoint, he oversaw the development of impressive facilities and greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the way the convention conducted business, all with a grace and demeanor that won him scores of friends throughout South Carolina and beyond.
“His passion for Christian higher education and Anderson University in particular is so clearly evident as he talks with enthusiasm about his new role. We are truly blessed that he will be joining our leadership team at this pivotal time of advancement in Anderson University history.”
Wright will serve as chief financial officer of the 2,700-student private Baptist university, which operates with an annual budget of $43 million. In addition, he will oversee the non-academic operations of the university, including human resources, campus facilities, campus safety, food service, grounds, bookstore, post office, print services and construction. Whitaker said Wright’s position is a cabinet-level role in which he will be a member of the president’s senior leadership team. He will participate in key decision-making and strategic planning and work closely with the finance committee of the board of trustees.
Wright retired from the South Carolina Baptist Convention in May 2010. Most recently, he served as a financial consultant to churches and associations throughout the state in the areas of church accounting policies and procedures, budget development, tax reporting requirements, and church incorporation and bylaws.
Wright is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He and his wife Gloria are members of Spring Valley Baptist Church in Columbia. – AU