News
After 30 years at the College, President James Wright was inaugurated as the 16th president in the Wheelock succession three years ago, beginning an era of controversial change at Dartmouth.
Wright's two years at the helm of the administration have already produced some of the most significant and wide-reaching changes since the College began admitting women in 1971.
With the surprising announcement of the Student Life Initiative less than six months after the beginning of his tenure as president, Wright's time as head of the College has been marked by a degree of debate and discussion over the future direction of the institution.
Controversial changes
In the days before Winter Carnival, Wright announced "The end of the Greek system 'as we know it'" after an interview with The Dartmouth in which he explained the changes coming as a result of the Initiative.
The College president's work so far has largely focused on the implementation of this project, working closely with the Board of Trustees, faculty, students and other members of the Dartmouth community to determine how to best achieve and implement the goals described in the document issued by the Board.
Wright, however, has long been working to modify the social and residential life at the College.
In 1987, then Professor Wright chaired a committee that issued the "Wright Report," urging the College to build a new student center, reduce the influence of Greek houses on campus and increase the sense of community in residence halls.
Many of these proposed changes have been carried over into the first stage of the implementation of the Initiative.
Wright also sparked minor controversy when he accepted his appointment as president by stressing the idea of Dartmouth as a research institution.
