In Memoriam: Ronald A. Wright, DVM, MS
Originally Published
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine celebrates the remarkable life of Dean Emeritus Dr. Ronald A. Wright, a visionary, incredible mentor, and trailblazer in veterinary leadership and education. Dr. Wright passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and transformative contributions that continue to inspire generations of veterinarians, scholars, and educators.
Born on April 6, 1932, in the small town of Pimento, Indiana, Dr. Wright's life was a testament to the power of ambition, dedication, and a deep love for learning. From an early age, he dreamed of flying planes, caring for animals, and building a life with his high school sweetheart, Jackie. His dreams became his life's work, and his achievements stand as a shining example of determination and purpose.
After graduating from Purdue University with a BS in Agriculture, Dr. Wright pursued his Masters (MS) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees at The Ohio State University, an institution he would later help shape through his leadership. His time at Ohio State laid the foundation for an impactful career dedicated to the advancement of veterinary medicine, public service, and education.
Dr. Wright's service to his country was a source of immense pride. After completing the Air Force ROTC program in 1957, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, continuing his commitment in the Air Force Reserve. His military career ignited a lifelong passion for aviation. An accomplished pilot, Dr. Wright flew recreationally for decades and even served as a traffic pilot for WBNS in Columbus during the 1960s, combining his love for flying with a sense of adventure and community service.
Dr. Wright's professional journey was as diverse as it was impactful. He began his career at Battelle Memorial Institute, where he served as Associate Division Chief, leading groundbreaking projects in science and technology. He later joined The Ohio State University Research Foundation as Director of the Project Development Assistance Division, guiding innovative research initiatives across disciplines.
In academia, Dr. Wright served as a professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, where he shared his vast knowledge and inspired countless students. His ability to mentor and guide future veterinarians reflected his passion for education and his unwavering commitment to advancing the field.
Dr. Wright’s leadership as Associate Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine paved the way for his appointment as Dean in 1980, a position he held with distinction for 13 years. During his tenure, he transformed the college into a nationally recognized center of excellence. Under his guidance, the college modernized its curriculum, expanded its facilities, and fostered interdisciplinary collaborations that emphasized the early adoption of a ‘One Health’ approach—linking animal, human, and environmental health long before it became a global movement.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Wright’s personal life was marked by deep love and unwavering devotion to his family. He often reflected on his three lifelong goals: marrying Jackie; becoming a veterinarian; and learning to fly. He accomplished all three with a profound sense of gratitude and purpose.
Jackie, his wife of several decades, along with their daughter, two sons, and six grandchildren, were his greatest joys and sources of pride.
A Personal Reflection from Dean Rustin Moore: A Memorable Flight with Giants in Veterinary Medicine
On a crisp October evening in 1986, under a canopy of clear skies, I found myself boarding a four-seater airplane—a single-propeller craft I fondly referred to at the time as a ‘Red Baron’ plane. The flight piloted by Dean Wright and accompanied by Associate Dean Dr. Milt Wyman, who had not only interviewed me for veterinary school but had become a mentor whose guidance I deeply valued. Our destination was Morgantown, West Virginia, for a recruitment event with the pre-vet club.
The flight was uneventful, but as I look back, I cannot help but marvel at the audacity of my younger self. What was I thinking? I was in a single-propeller plane with a ‘middle-aged pilot,’ experienced but mortal, and a passenger who although a titan in veterinary medicine and sat in the ‘co-pilot seat,’ had no training in navigating or landing a plane should anything have happened to our pilot. Yet, the journey was flawless, etched in my memory as both exhilarating and humbling.
I vividly recall the flight to Morgantown, my stomping grounds, and the return trip, the hum of the engine punctuating conversations that reflected the wisdom and camaraderie of my companions. Dean Wright and Dr. Wyman were more than accomplished leaders—they were architects of the future of veterinary medicine, shaping careers, including mine, in ways I could not fully appreciate at the time.
That night, I shared a rare moment with these two giants in the field, men whose influence on my path was profound, if not immediately clear at the time. It was a flight not just to Morgantown, but into the realization of how interconnected moments, people, and decisions are in shaping one’s career. What seemed at the time like a simple trip turned out to be an indelible experience, a journey with those who had quietly but powerfully shaped my professional life in ways I continue to discover.
Dr. Wright’s legacy is one of service, innovation, and inspiration. He was a compassionate mentor and a visionary leader whose impact extended far beyond Ohio State. His work touched countless lives and helped shape the future of veterinary medicine. He inspired his colleagues and students not only with his intellect and leadership but also with his kindness, humility, and genuine care for others.
As we celebrate Dr. Wright’s extraordinary life, we honor the countless contributions he made to our college, our profession, the country, and the world. His memory lives on in the lives he touched, the innovations he championed, and the enduring values he embodied.
Rest in peace Dr. Wright. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Your contributions will continue to inspire; and your memory will remain a cornerstone of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine past, present and future.