Professors Jim Wright and Vicki Wang Set to Retire

Each has more than thirty years at ECU

For the second year in a row the department has bid farewell to two veteran professors.  Associate Professor James Wright retired on December 31, 1999, after more than thirty years at ECU. A native of Cleveland, Wright majored in Spanish at Northwestern University and got his Spanish M.A. at Middlebury College before going on to earn his Ph.D. in linguistics at Indiana University.  He joined the ECU English Department in 1969, where he taught courses in linguistics, history of the English language, and grammar. 

Wright's interest in language led him into a number of areas, including computer poetry and word play.  Many a departmental memo was enlivened by his penchant for puns.  He also composed and recorded music, putting out several tapes of his original tunes; rocked out at department parties on guitar, keyboard, and washtub bass; and collected unusual belt buckles, some of which he made himself.

When asked about the most memorable moments in his career, Wright replied, "It's all been great." Commenting on how much ECU has enriched his life, Wright says he cannot imagine what he would have done if he had not come here. "What's so amazing about the ECU English department is that it's so big, yet everyone gets along and respects one another. It's growing stronger, with better faculty, students, and courses."

Since his retirement, Wright has been playing music and catching up on his reading.  He also plans to restore an antique Model A Ford, and travel to New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Wales--"places I've never been."

Earlier this year, Associate Professor Veronica C. Wang announced her upcoming retirement.  Effective at the end of 2000's first summer session, Wang will say adieu to ECU, also after 30-plus years. 

After receiving her B.A. in English at Queens College, Wang continued her education at Tulane University, where she earned her M.A. and Ph.D. and specialized in Victorian literature. She joined the ECU Department of English in 1967 with her husband, retired English professor Alfred Wang.  The couple started the Chinese studies program here at ECU in the mid-eighties. 

Over the years Wang has both chaired and served as a member of numerous committees, and has been invaluable to both the traditional literature and the multicultural literature programs, teaching courses in women's literature, American literature, nineteenth-century British and American literature, Victorian literature, and Asian-American literature.  She has a special interest in the Asian-American writers Maxine Hong Kingston and Hisaye Yamamoto, and has published a number of essays and given presentations on their work. 

When asked what she enjoyed most about teaching at ECU, Wang replied, "The students who become friends." And what will Wang do after her retirement? "Nothing,"she replied, laughing.  When pressed, she mentioned that she'll travel, read, and do volunteer work.

Citing their valuable contributions and recognizing their many years of service, the department has recommended both Wang and Wright for professor emeritus status.