Matara Wright selected to lead student government at Adler University
Matara Wright selected to lead student government at Adler University
Wright first African American to hold position at prestigious institution
CHICAGO – Matara Wright, M.S. M.A., was named Student Government President for the 2016-17 school year at Adler University, the first African American to hold the position at prestigious University which focuses on social change. Wright, who is working to complete her doctorate in Clinic Psychology in 2018, received her Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology from Adler in 2015. The Houston native received her MS degree from Prairie View A&M, and her BS from Xavier University in New Orleans.
Adler’s student body of 1,200, selected Wright for president during their annual election, based on her dedication to serving the student body, and her previous leadership experience. She served as vice president of Student Government, vice president of the Black Students Association, president and founder of Adler University’s Association of Black Psychologists’ Student Circle, and was a student affairs work study assistant.
Since assuming the role, Wright has been focused on improving the influence of the student government on campus. Her team works to ensure that students’ voices are heard by faculty, staff, and administration on issues related to tuition, commencement, university relations, continuing the campaign against micro aggressions , educating students on various aspects of local and national elections, and improving communication and a sense of community within the university.
Some accomplishments her board can point to during her tenure include, ensuring student representation on various academic and leadership committees, where students were previously not included; securing student refunds and oraccount credits on outdated charges due to curriculum changes; soliciting prompt responses from the administration to community issues that affect the school mission of social justice; advocacy for a commencement date preferred by the student body, creating a monthly update on ASG meetings, and meeting outcomes available to the student body to create a more transparent student government. Under her leadership, the ASG is currently working on a new structure of student government that will be more representative of the student body.
About Adler University
Adler University, named the Presidential Winner of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Award, educates students to engage the world and create a more just society. Established in 1952, the University enrolls more than 1,200 students in master’s and doctoral programs for social change—through its campuses in downtown Chicago and Vancouver, and its Online Campus. Its mission is to continue the pioneering work of Alfred Adler, the first community psychologist, by graduating socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities, and advancing social justice. Adler has campuses in Chicago, Vancouver, and on-line.
