Dr. Wynne Wright recognized for promoting international understanding

March 15, 2021 - Karessa Weir

Michigan State University International Studies and Programs has presented Dr. Wynne Wright with a Special Recognition Award for Promoting International Understanding.

Dr. Wright is jointly appointed at the Department of Sociology in the College of Social Science and the Department of Community Sustainability in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

“The entire world is in the midst of an extraordinary shared challenge with COVID-19, demonstrating the absolute necessity of international cooperation,” said Steven D. Hanson, associate provost and dean for MSU International Studies and Programs. “We are privileged to recognize a diverse group of exceptional Spartans who reach across borders and disciplines in their common commitment to global engagement.” 

Dr. Wynn will be honored at a virtual International Awards Ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday April 15. A special website highlighting the recipients’ work and impact on MSU’s international engagement will debut that day at isp.msu.edu/iac. 

Much of Dr. Wright's research explores the nexus between food, agriculture, rural culture and sustainability. Her research examines questions of political and cultural change in agriculture and food systems with sensitivity to their consequences for women, farm families and rural community well-being. These research interests hold promise for bettering our understanding of how to move toward a more sustainable future through practices of equality, inclusion and civic participation.

Dr. Wright's work is geographically linked to the U.S. primarily, but she also conducts research in France. Current research projects underway include farm diversification, comparative analyses of Michigan and French farm women, relationship between food, place, and culture, and public engagement in agri-science.

She held a Fulbright Fellowship in 2006 teaching at Szent István University, Gödöllõ, Hungary and in 1997-1998 taught at Central European University in Budapest, Hungary as a Civic Education Fellow. Currently, she holds a visiting lectureship at the University of Toulouse - El Purpan, France.

Wynne grew up on a mid-sized diversified farm in the midst of the rolling hills of southern rural Kentucky. Today she lives, farms, and eats in Lansing and Ithaca, Michigan.