Dorothy Wright

Dorothy Wright was a distinguished Professor in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at San Jose State University (SJSU), where she served for 30 years before retiring in 1987. Her legacy is honored through the Dorothy Wright Outstanding Teaching Awards, established in 1987 to recognize educators who excel in preparing students for college-level writing. The awards are unique in being nominated by former students via questionnaires distributed in freshman composition courses.

Her professional focus centered on teacher education and composition studies, reflected in her long tenure at SJSU and the enduring impact of the awards bearing her name. The College of Humanities and the Arts continues to celebrate her contributions through this annual recognition program, which highlights inspiring English educators across the region.