Charles Allen Wright is a retired art professor. He is a native of Conway, S.C. He began his studies in art at Coastal Carolina College (1974-1976); and completed the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio in 1978 with a concentration in painting and sculpture. In December 1983, he received the Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Washington University St. Louis, Missouri.

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From 2017 - 2019 he served as the Dean of the College at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Grand Rapids Michigan. Before Kendall, he served as a Professor of Art and the Chair of the Department of Art at Western Illinois University from 2007 - 2017. From 1994 - 2005, he served as Chair of the Department of Visual Arts at Coastal Carolina University. His teaching career started at Coastal Carolina in 1985 as an adjunct sculpture professor.

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Charles' service to the arts includes serving in various roles with the following groups.

• President of the Board of Directors of Horry County Arts and Cultural Events or ACE

• Board of Directors of the National Council of Arts Administrators

• Board of Directors of the Franklin G. Burroughs and Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Accreditation site evaluator team leader with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design

• American Alliance of Museums member

• Tri-State Sculptors

He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the College Art Association (CAA) where he served in various roles.

• Vice-President of Committees

• A member of the Executive Committee of the CAA

• Chair of the Professional Practices Committee (PPC)

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As an arts administrator, Charles sought to be an academic leader, an advocate, and a facilitator for students and faculty. As an artist, he continues to produce art from wood, Plexiglas, stone, and a variety of other materials. His art-making continues to be primarily cathartic and life-sustaining pursuits as an object maker.  His motto continues to be, "ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS" - his translation, "LIFE IS SHORT, BUT ART IS FOREVER"

His wife, Art Historian Jo-Ann Morgan, and Charles currently live in Surfside Beach South Carolina.