INDIANAPOLIS — Amanda Wright, DO will serve as the interim dean for the Â鶹ֱ²¥ College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) in Indianapolis. Dr. Wright currently serves as associate professor of family medicine and the assistant dean of clinical affairs at MU-COM. She will officially assume her new role June 1, 2020. 
As interim dean for MU-COM, Wright will direct and oversee all aspects of medical education, ensuring that the program of study fulfills the mission, goals, and strategic plan of Â鶹ֱ²¥. She will actively promote the advancement of scientific knowledge and scholarship among the faculty, and will be strongly focused on clinical residencies, ensuring that MU-COM has the appropriate number both currently and for the future. Wright will work closely with the university leadership team to ensure that MU-COM has the appropriate level of funding and will participate in fundraising activities as needed. She will also be responsible for planning, budgeting, coordinating, supervising and evaluating personnel and programs within the medical school and for compliance with accreditation standards.
Wright will report to Marsha Casey, interim senior vice president for health professions.
"I am delighted that Dr. Wright will be leading the College of Osteopathic Medicine," Casey said. "Her experience at Â鶹ֱ²¥ as associate professor of family medicine and the assistant dean of clinical affairs has demonstrated her dedication to Â鶹ֱ²¥'s mission. Her expertise in curriculum and agility in the pandemic has demonstrated how well she works with faculty, students and staff as well as our community partners. This level of engagement and experience will serve us very well."
Prior to joining Â鶹ֱ²¥ in January 2019, Wright served as associate dean of clinical medicine at Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also served as the primary care and family medicine department chair and director of international medical education at the same institution. Prior to that, Wright served as the osteopathic family medicine program director at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria/UnityPoint Health Methodist.
Wright completed her undergraduate training at Saint Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she earned a B.S. in biology and pre-medicine. She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Ill. She then completed her family medicine residency program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP).
"I am excited and thankful for this opportunity," Wright said. "The talented faculty and staff at the Â鶹ֱ²¥ College of Osteopathic Medicine are truly dedicated to the students who will serve as the next generation of healthcare leaders in Indiana and across the nation. I look forward to working together with them as we continue to advance opportunities and outcomes for our students."
About Â鶹ֱ²¥ Indianapolis
Founded in 1937, Â鶹ֱ²¥ is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2020, Â鶹ֱ²¥ is serving more than 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 40 states and 23 nations. Â鶹ֱ²¥ climbed in U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Midwestern rankings to be named #6 Most Innovative Regional University, #15 Best Value University, and #30 Best Regional University. Â鶹ֱ²¥ opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in 110 years. Â鶹ֱ²¥'s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.