“This project brought us into the real world. It taught me a lot more than just the concept of advertising.”
Kate Monagan, Business Administration
Susan earned an undergraduate degree from Vassar College where she was a member of the last all-female class. She then went on to earn a master's degree in education from Stanford University. Susan is an adopted member of the Dartmouth College class of 1969. In June 2009 Dartmouth awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for her service to the college.
Susan retired from Dartmouth College in 2009 after working there since 1978 and being "First Lady" while her husband, James Wright, served as president (1998 to 2009). From 2003 until 2009, Susan directed the college's Kenneth '25 and Harle Montgomery Endowment bringing thinkers, writers, performers, and leaders to campus for public events and personal interaction with students. Under her leadership, fellows included musician Bobby McFerrin, microbiologist Rita Colwell, novelist Joan Didion, historian Robert Dallek, playwright Edward Albee, poet Lucille Clifton, neuroscientist Oliver Sacks, and choreographer Merce Cunningham.
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Susan made substantial contributions to student life at Dartmouth in roles including: assistant (and later associate) director of career services; assistant dean of the college and dean for the classes of 1985, 1988, 1991, and 1994; international student advisor; director of graduate advising and national fellowships, and the first coordinator of both the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program and the Presidential Scholars Program. Susan was advisor to the Phoenix senior women's leadership society from 1986 to 2009.
Susan is well-known for her dedication to local civic causes, most notably the United Way of the Upper Valley and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC) at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Susan served as honorary chair of the Prouty Century Bike Ride and Challenge Walk fundraiser for many years and currently serves on the NCCC Director's Advisory Council. In 2008, along with her husband, Susan was the first recipient of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Award.
Susan and Jim, president emeritus of Dartmouth College, live in Sunapee, New Hampshire. Susan is the stepmother of James Wright, Ann Wright, and Michael Wright. She and Jim have seven grandchildren.
