News from The Mahurin Honors College

Giving back and serving your community is a core principle of The Mahurin Honors College (MHC). For some, this takes place many miles away, and for others, they choose to serve near Bowling Green. In Dr. Spencer Wright’s (MHC ‘12) case, he decided to do both. 

Bowling Green locals know Spencer as the dentist and owner of Wright Dental Studio. His passion for his career is vibrantly clear to each of his patients.

“I have wanted to serve others through healthcare from a young age,” states Dr. Wright. “I always liked dentistry because it enabled me to maintain a long term relationship with my patients. I take special care with each patient because to me, it's not just a normal procedure. I see my work as an art; I am building someone’s smile! I love to listen to someone talk about their smile goals and use my expertise to give them back their confidence.”

Reflecting on his time on campus, Spencer commented: “WKU was a great opportunity for me to get involved in many different aspects and build my community.” He served as a Spirit Master for three years, was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, an Honors H4 Counselor, an Ogden College Ambassador, and a member of the ASL Organization. Spencer also completed a CE/T on Allelic Variability in the CYP11B2 C344T Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms from a Cohort of East Africans.

Spencer extended his education to a global scale by embracing multiple study abroad opportunities. He studied in Harlaxton, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, and southern Kenya. Each program offered, in Spencer’s words, “an awesome experience to embrace different cultures, gain independence, and explore the world.” Spencer’s winter term programs to Ecuador and Kenya allowed him to directly serve others with his dental skills. Spencer also added that his study abroad experience impacted his CE/T project.

Being so active in addition to his intensive major certainly posed challenges for Spencer. Holding on to a clear image of his dream was key for Spencer to stay determined and focused. 

“For me, growing up in a small town, there were not many people who go into healthcare. Coming from a family with little access to healthcare, I grew up trying to navigate that, which fostered my dream to be a dentist. In the moments of doubt, I envisioned owning my own office, sculpting smiles, and serving my community” 

Upon graduating Spencer pursued dental school at the University of Kentucky. ”Dental school can be very challenging, but WKU did a wonderful job preparing me.” After graduating with his Doctorate in Dentistry, Spencer and his wife Kelsey (Kaetzel) (MHC ‘15) moved to Mobile, Alabama for a few short years.  During their time in Mobile, both Spencer and Kelsey felt that Bowling Green was calling them back home, and they were excited for the opportunity for Spencer to own his own practice.

“WKU and the MHC have played such a significant role in my life. In addition to meeting the love of my life there, it grounded me with the education I needed to pursue my wildest dreams. Bowling Green reminds me to be thankful for how far I have come and all the people that have poured into me.” 

So what advice does Spencer have for current MHC Scholars?

“Stay focused on your goals, but in those moments when you question ‘can i even do this?’ reach out to others in the field. Find mentors who want to help you along the way. Anticipate the ups and downs and be on guard not to let your classes and grades become your identity. Remember to enjoy the process and not just live in the future.”

The MHC is honored to have such an impressive scholar choose to serve the Bowling Green community. We are so proud of you, Dr. Wright!