LeAnne Wright
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Ernest Hemingway once said, “Live life to the fullest.” And that is exactly what LeAnne Wright strives to do. After being diagnosed with kidney disease in 1996, LeAnne found out she definitely needed a kidney transplant in 2015. Her close friend, Sandy Varner, donated a kidney to LeAnne on June 26, 2017. So, all in all, LeAnne does know how precious life really is and works hard to live it to the best of her ability.
photo by molly minter
LeAnne Wright is the Associate Vice President for University Advancement at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. She enjoys working closely with many groups and individuals in the community to raise funds that provide opportunities for A&M-Texarkana students. LeAnne explains her proudest professional accomplishment, “I am fortunate to be a part of the team that developed and executed marketing and recruitment efforts to support building the new Texas A&M University-Texarkana Bringle Lake Campus and to begin the transformation into a Four-Year Regional University.”
LeAnne and her husband, Tim, have one son, Anderson. “Raising a respectful, talented, smart, and outdoor-loving son,” is LeAnne’s proudest personal achievement.
Being around people and meeting new friends is a passion of LeAnne’s. She is very involved in community service and is an active member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas. She also serves on the Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center board of directors and Arkansas Women for Education board and is a member of Kiwanis Club of Texarkana, Leadershp Texarkana, and the local alumni chapter for Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She is a sustainer for the Junior League of Texarkana and is an associate member of the May Dale Garden Club.
LeAnne’s parents, Philip and Jon Purifoy (now McCarty) have been her greatest influences. “They provided great inspiration to me throughout my life,” she explains. “They led by example and worked hard to instill in my brother and me to always find the best qualities in people and to remember that everyone is equal and should be treated as such!”
The way JOYCE VARNER sees her ...
LeAnne Wright has always impressed me in my life since her early child- hood because she always has a smile on her face. She always greets me with that beautiful smile and everyone else she meets. LeAnne is always giving of her many talents in our community and to her many friends.
She is an active member of First United Methodist Church, Arkansas, Junior League, and AWE Women for Educations, serving as president for several years. She has been an avid Razorback fan since her birth and is a graduate of U of A. She is also active in Race for the Cure®, United Way’s Live United Bowl and many other community activities.
LeAnne works at Texas A&M University-Texarkana serving as Associate Vice President for Advancement of Students. She has a very positive attitude in life, dedication to her family, job and her many friends.
I am so blessed to have been able to watch her become a very strong, caring woman, and I value her as a wonderful friend.
FUN FACTS
What did you imagine yourself being when you were growing up?
“I imagined myself being on Broadway!”
What is the last gift you gave someone? “A meal to a friend recovering from surgery.”
What is your favorite meal that you order regularly at a local establishment? “Fettuccini Alfredo.”
If there was a movie produced about your life, which actress would portray you?
“Sandra Bullock.”
What is something unique about you that most people would not know?
“I have two good friends that people often mistake for me. Grandchildren, children and my husband have all been guilty of getting us mixed up! I have even been tagged in pictures that I am not in on Facebook.”
If you could trade places with any person for a week, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
“Santa Claus.”
If you could travel to space, and it was free, would you go?
“No. I’m very grounded – literally!”
What music do you listen to in your vehicle? “What music do I not listen to ... I’m constantly changing channels.”
Tim, LeAnne and Anderson this past January in Hot Springs for “A Day at the Races.”