Ryan Wright is the Rolls-Royce Commonwealth Eminent Professor and Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. He previously served as Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Research as well as Area Coordinator for IT & Innovation. In his current role, he leads McIntire’s strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence research and academics, oversees the School’s six Centers of Excellence, and serves on the University of Virginia’s Provost AI Council.

Wright teaches courses in innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. His teaching is closely aligned with his research, which examines how emerging technologies—including AI and cybersecurity—shape organizational behavior, decision-making, and societal outcomes.

He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications in leading academic journals such as MIS Quarterly; Information Systems Research; Journal of the AIS; and Journal of MIS. He has played a central role in securing over $3.5 million in research funding from the National Science Foundation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and other institutions. His contributions have earned numerous awards for excellence in research, teaching, and service at the disciplinary, university, and school levels.

A frequent keynote speaker at national and international conferences, Wright regularly addresses topics at the intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation, and society. His research has been featured in prominent media outlets including Harvard Business Review; The Washington Post; Forbes; Fast Company; USA Today; Psychology Today; Seattle Post-Intelligencer; The Australian, and others.