Known for her kind, calm and caring nature, Connie Wright retires from the UAB School of Optometry's Office of Student Affairs after 33 years of service to UAB, including 28 years with the School of Optometry.
During her tenure at the school, Wright witnessed 1,181 Doctor of Optometry graduates cross the stage at commencement, representing nearly 60 percent of all OD graduates in the program's history. Through her work in recruitment and student support, she helped introduce generations of future optometrists to the profession and supported them throughout their educational journeys.
Wright joined the Office of Student Affairs in December 1998 as an office associate. She later served as a program manager before becoming director of the department. Recruiting prospective students remained a central responsibility throughout her career.
"I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful people including students, advisors and other program representatives," she said. "I've been blessed to see many students complete our program and begin their careers."
Throughout her years of service, Wright witnessed significant changes to both the school and the Henry Peters Building. She remembers the building before major renovations began and watched multiple rounds of improvements transform the space.
"I remember the original clinic floor actually 'bounced' when you walked across it, and there were no windows in the classrooms at all," she said. "I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to enjoy all of the building improvements."
Among the changes were multiple renovations to the clinic, dreary classrooms converted to brighter learning spaces, dark hallways with metal lockers being modernized and the addition of windows to the entire building. While the building evolved over the years, Wright said one thing remained constant: the dedication of the students.
"Looking back on my time at the school and the countless conversations I've had with students over the years, I am thankful for having had the opportunity to help guide many of them to UAB and, in some cases, to a career in optometry," she said.
“I have also had the opportunity to assist them while in school and even beyond graduation. I truly believe the profession of optometry allows individuals to make a real difference in the lives of their patients. I am happy to have played a small role in helping students pursue their calling. Plus, I'll never have trouble finding excellent eye care providers."
A handful of employees who were at the school when Wright arrived are still part of the UAB Optometry community today. Among them is Gerald Simon, OD, professor and associate dean for student affairs.
"Of course, my 'partner in crime' has been the same for most of my years at the school," she said. "It has been my absolute pleasure to work for and with Dr. Simon. He is a true friend, and I must admit, I will miss our daily conversations."
As she begins retirement, Wright is looking forward to embracing a slower pace of life and spending more time with the people and activities she loves.
"I plan to spend more time with my husband, family and friends, travel more often, and find meaningful volunteer opportunities," she said. "Of course, I also look forward to spending more time with all of our four-legged family members. They make my heart happy."
After spending more than three decades serving UAB and nearly three decades helping guide future optometrists, Wright leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion and dedication that will continue to be felt throughout the UAB School of Optometry family, including its current students, faculty, staff and alumni.