New Leaders Drive Excellence in STEM and Gifted Education at TMSCA

Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy (TMSCA) announces the hiring of two esteemed professionals to their leadership team. James “Jay” C. White II, PhD, has been appointed the inaugural Director of Science and Innovation at Talcott Mountain Science Center; and Kenneth J. Wright, PhD, has been named the new Dean of Talcott Mountain Academy.

Dr. Jay White Leads a New Era of Scientific Exploration and Education

As a scientist, educator, and advocate for transformative learning experiences, Dr. White brings a wealth of experience along with passion for STEM to Talcott Mountain Science Center (TMSC). With an impressive scientific background, Dr. White earned his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Indiana University and has dedicated his career to advancing scientific knowledge and science education. He is a member of the American Astronomical Society, a Fellow of Great Britain’s Royal Astronomical Society, an American member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). He also served as Executive Director of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

Dr. White has an extensive higher education background as a professor of physics for three institutions and serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Gettysburg College and at Washington & Jefferson College. In addition to his appointment at TMSC, White has been named a Visiting Scholar in Astronomy at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. Besides his astronomical research, White has been active in international scientific development since the early 1990s, serving on the American Physical Society’s U.S.-Africa taskforce, the American Institute of Physics’ Public Information Advisory Committee, and as manager of the IAU’s programs for the improvement of scientific and educational infrastructure in developing countries.

White’s forty-year career has been defined by a commitment to science, learning, and inspiring scholars of all ages to reach their full potential. In his role at TMSC, White will lead the organization into a new era of scientific exploration and discovery by playing a pivotal role in expanding the Center’s education and outreach programs.

“Joining Talcott Mountain Science Center is an honor and a tremendous opportunity,” said White. “For more than half a century, the organization has provided the setting for students to engage, explore, and discover. This resonates deeply with my belief that the engagement of students by science empowers and equips them to invent their tomorrows. I am excited to build on this strong foundation and to extend the reach and powerful effect of the Center’s programs domestically and internationally.”

Dr. Kenneth Wright Champions Excellence in Gifted Education and Student Success at Talcott Mountain Academy

Dr. Wright comes to Talcott Mountain Academy with an impressive background in gifted education, academic leadership, and educational psychology. His most recent studies include receiving his PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut’s highly recognized Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development. While at UCONN, Dr. Wright worked with Dr. Joseph Renzulli, a leader and pioneer in gifted education, and Del Siegle, past president of the National Association for Gifted Education (NAGC). A current member of the NAGC, Dr. Wright has presented to national audiences on multiple occasions – including National Research Center on Gifted Education conventions.

His commitment to academic excellence and student success has been evident throughout his career. In addition to working in the field of gifted education for more than two decades, Dr. Wright holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational counseling. This background, combined with his student-centric approach and commitment to nurturing each child’s unique talents, make him ideally suited to lead the TMA community.

As Dean, Wright will oversee the Academy's K-8 educational programs, ensuring that they continue to meet the highest standards of excellence. “I am thrilled to join the leadership team at Talcott Mountain Academy,” Wright said. “My heart and passion is in helping academically advanced students whose needs are not being met in regular classrooms.”

“Children are innately curious, and teachers, parents, and mentors are critical in cultivating that curiosity. Students who stay curious become adults who never stop learning. I believe students need exposure to many things to find new interests. I believe they need nurturing mentors to help them learn skills and concepts to explore those interests on a deeper level. And finally, for the learning to really deepen, students need a chance to apply that knowledge to real world contexts with authentic audiences. Talcott Mountain Academy is an optimal place to make this happen and continue to ‘inspire today’s children to invent tomorrow.’”

About Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy

Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy is a leading STEM education organization dedicated to promoting scientific curiosity, exploration, and innovation. Established in 1967, Talcott Mountain Science Center, the organization’s informal STEM education division, offers a wide range of programs, workshops, and experiences for students of all ages, inspiring a lifelong love of science. Talcott Mountain Academy, the organization’s independent, K-8 day school for gifted learners, was founded in 1983. To learn more about Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy, please visit talcottscience.org.