Michele Wise Wright, PhD (MS/ISE, ’92) was a trailblazer for minority students at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI).
Wright arrived on the Tullahoma campus in 1990 as UTSI’s first GEM Fellow and only the second Dean’s Scholarship recipient. The GEM Fellowship was offered to underrepresented students looking to pursue graduate degrees in applied science and engineering. 
Seeking to make a difference beyond the classroom, Wright launched the first National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter at UTSI. Wright served as the founding president for two years, helping UTSI earn the NSBE Regional Chapter of Scholars Award.
“That was very unique, especially with our chapter being all graduate engineering and science students,” said Wright, the first full-time Black student to earn an engineering management and industrial engineering degree from UTSI. “It was kind of a game changer, and the impact that came from starting that chapter was just remarkable.”
Wright, a Tuskegee, Alabama native, credits her experience at UTSI as the foundational piece of a career that has flourished in numerous sectors. From engineering to business to advocacy, Wright’s award-winning work has been as remarkable for its breadth as its impact.
“If I can help make an impact in just one person’s life, then my living is not in vain,” she said. “I know I can’t impact the whole world, but if I can just make a small difference and inspire others to make a difference, then that difference is exponential.”
Thriving in a Dynamic Career
After graduating from UTSI, Wright became a project engineer at Procter & Gamble and worked in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sales. She was the CEO of a Red Cross branch in Arkansas and is currently the director of business development and outreach for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).
Wright has authored four books and is the founder, creator, and CEO of the children’s edutainment platforms My Water BuddyÒ and My Learning BuddyÒ. She is the president and board chair of the Milton Pitts Crenchaw Aviation Training Academy (MPCATA), which provides educational resources and mentorships to underrepresented students interested in the aviation and aerospace industries and other STEM-related fields.
After her husband, Terry Wright, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 54, Wright was inspired to become an advocate. She co-founded and chairs the National Organization of African Americans with Cystic Fibrosis and is heavily involved with other organizations related to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities with rare and genetic diseases.
“The University of Tennessee opened that up for me. I was not afraid to go in different directions in my life because everything that I learned through engineering management at UTSI came along with me,” Wright said. “It made me stronger, wiser, and not be afraid to go spread my wings and explore the bigger and the better.”
Receiving Her Flowers
Wright was honored at UT’s 2024 Alumni Awards Gala last September with the Distinguished Alumni Award, the university’s highest alumni honor. It was her first time back on UT’s Knoxville campus in 32 years.
“It was like walking the yellow brick road,” said Wright, who spoke to UT’s NSBE chapter during her visit. “It was beautiful, emotional, powerful, amazing. Some things you cannot put a price tag on—and that award is priceless to me.”
A few months before being honored at UT, Wright received the Golden Torch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Industry during NSBE’s 50th Annual Convention in Atlanta and was able to represent UTSI on the organization’s biggest stage.
“To think of all the engineers worldwide, and for me to get the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is the highest award they give out, was truly amazing,” she said. “Then, to have it presented by Edmond Coleman, one of the original six NSBE founders, it was just unreal.”
Making Representation Matter
Wright understands the importance of diversity at all levels. She loves celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month in February and March, respectively, because of how many opportunities are available to educate the next generation of aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs. 
“I am amazed at the number of people, especially females, saying, ‘You inspire me. You do it, so I know I can do it,’” Wright said. “It’s important for people to see themselves represented. I am hoping they see a mentor or role model in front of them to help inspire them.”
Wright grew up in Tuskegee, Alabama, dreaming about becoming a dancer on the music television show Solid Gold in the 1980s before her parents, Frankie Berry and Garland Wise, encouraged her to pursue engineering. After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Tuskegee University, Wright discovered an opportunity to attend UTSI and said, “This is it. This is my soulmate.”
“There is no replacing the impact that UT has had on my life,” she said. “I would not be the person, the professional, the change agent, I am today if not for my University of Tennessee roots.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)