Mr. Wright was recruited in 1988 from his post as Under Secretary of Education in Washington, D.C. by Paul R. Ray & Company to establish the firm's education specialty service practice and to serve as a consultant and advisor. Mr. Wright has more than 40 years of professional experience at all levels in the field of education.

Upon returning from government service, Mr. Wright was named president and CEO of Ideal Learning, Inc., an educational software company that specializes in the development and marketing of Integrated Learning Systems for children K-12 and adults. He still serves this company as an active board member. Before being chosen by President Reagan to serve in a cabinet position, Mr. Wright served as general superintendent of the Dallas public schools for 10 years and as superintendent for administration and chief financial officer of the Houston public schools for eight years.

His experience in higher education consists as two years as a board member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, five years as an adjunct professor in three major universities, and seven years as a trustee and board member to a private university. He presently serves on the advisory board of a large university and on the development board of another large Texas university.

Mr. Wright's experience outside academia consists of directorship in more than 30 non-profit boards, two for-profit boards, two large city planning commissions and 23 years' service as a military officer (active and reserve). As a native Texan, Mr. Wright received undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics, business administration and public school administration from Austin College. He also pursued further graduate work at Texas Tech University. Mr. Wright has been awarded three honorary doctor of law degrees for his contributions to education and community service.