04 Apr 2026 Person of the Month: Robert D. Wright
My desire to help others is rooted in the example set by my mother, Frances Acklin. Although we didn’t have much, she consistently demonstrated generosity toward others, especially those who were in greater need than us. She instilled in my siblings and me the value of practicing our beliefs and fulfilling the principle embodied in the Greatest Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 20:37-39)
— Robert D. Wright
Hometown: Conway.
Family: My wife, Alice, and I have a daughter, April, a son-in-law, Marquis, and three grandchildren: Daniel, Aria and Elliott.
Education: We are a family of Wampus Cats! I graduated from Conway High School (CHS) in 1981, and Alice graduated in 1983. Both April and Marquis graduated in 2012. After high school, I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College in 1985.
Work: I retired in March as director of development and supported employment for Independent Living Services. After graduating from Hendrix, I served as executive director of three nonprofit organizations: The Faulkner County Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Boys and Girls Club (B&GC) of Faulkner County. During my tenure at the B&GC, a 15,000-square-foot facility was built that doubled the previous facility’s capacity and added features such as a full-size gym, computer lab and art room. I capped off my career with 13 years at Independent Living Services.
Accomplishments: While attending CHS and Hendrix, I received numerous sports awards. In 1999, I was inducted into the Hendrix College Sports Hall of Honor and four years later into the Conway High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Hobbies: My hobbies include watching basketball and football, traveling and spending as much time as possible with my family, especially my grandchildren: Daniel, Aria and Elliott.
Community activities: I am a Sunday school teacher and a trustee at Mount Gale Missionary Baptist Church. I am active in Kiwanis and the Volunteer Council at Conway Human Development Center, serving twice as president. With more than 20 years in the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, I was named Big Brother of the Year three times, received the Governor’s Award for more than 1,500 hours of volunteer service, and received a Letter of Recognition from U.S. Sen. John Boozman. I am also a 2000 graduate of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute.
What drew you to the Big Brother/Big Sister Program? I grew up in a large family with 13 siblings, including eight brothers, all of whom had a positive influence on me. When I was approached about becoming a big brother and learned more about the BB/BS organization, I believed I could make a difference. Although I am no longer involved in the program, I still hang out with my little brother Shawn, whom I met more than 30 years ago.
