Kelly Nelson-Wright Named 2026 Faculty of the Year
Fullerton College proudly names Professor of Sociology, Kelly Nelson-Wright, its 2026 Faculty of the Year. An honorary accolade, the Faculty of the Year Recognition speaks to Professor Nelson-Wright’s commitment to inspiring generations of students to pursue their dreams.
“Receiving this nomination from the students I serve is the greatest honor of my professional life,” said Nelson-Wright. “Their recognition serves as a deeply meaningful validation of my efforts, for which I am truly grateful.”
Nelson-Wright began her journey as a Fullerton College faculty member in 2000, earning tenure in 2004. Since the start of her career three decades ago, she has taught 15 sociology courses in many subjects, including social problems, marriage and family, drugs and society, as well as introductory and honors versions. A champion of equity, her teaching philosophy centers marginalized voices by cultivating an inclusive and empowering learning environment. Her courses and teaching have touched the lives of many, with approximately 300 students in her classes each semester.
Before joining Fullerton College, Nelson-Wright taught at Irvine Valley College (IVC) and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). What inspired her to become a professor was her passions to teach at the community college level and determination to overcome fears of public speaking.
It wasn’t until her mentor at CSUF, Dr. Perry Jacobson, inspired her to pursue her goal of teaching. With his support, influence and inspiration, Nelson-Wright was hired at Fullerton College and was able to positively impact students through her discussion-based teaching process – a method designed to help students overcome anxiety and fears of public speaking while building self-confidence.
Her students have gone off to transfer to the California State University, University of California systems and even private colleges (such as Standford, Columbia and Yale) to earn master’s and doctorate degrees. Some careers they also ventured off to include law school and academia. A strong believer in her students, she spends the semester preparing them with theoretical knowledge, practical application and writing in the scientific method. In her honor courses, she prepares her students to end the semester with a conference presentation. For her, seeing her students presenting their research at the conference level is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.
“The best thing about teaching is unlocking a student’s inner strength and fostering a lasting, confident belief in themselves,” said Nelson-Wright. “I want my students to leave with the understanding that embracing diverse perspectives is the key to navigating complexity.”
At the institutional level, Nelson-Wright is a proud leader in many ways. She currently serves as department chair for the sociology department, the Social Science Division Curriculum Committee representative and as a member of the Fullerton College Honors Advisory Council and Transfer Advisory Committee. Thanks to her leadership, Fullerton College ranked statewide for the number of transfer degrees developed and approved. A huge benefit for students which opens many transfer options to the CSU. She also collaborated with Vice President of Instructional Services, Dr. Jose Ramon Nuñez, to bring the Rising Scholars Program to the college.
Her career in academia has focused on various gender and family issues, including undergraduate and graduate-level research at CSUF on the effects of battering through the lens of “social breakdown syndrome.” Her master’s thesis was nominated for the Giles T. Brown Outstanding Thesis Award.
“Kelly’s service has helped transform Fullerton College by fostering a lasting culture of student success, opportunity and belonging for countless students,” said Dean of the Division of Social Sciences, Dr. Jorge Gamboa.
Nelson-Wright holds exciting plans to expand student opportunities. She is currently working in partnership with California Polytechnic University, Humboldt to facilitate a transfer pathway for students earning various sociology degrees, including combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, hands-on learning in criminology and justice studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in cannabis studies. This will provide a specific transfer pathway for Fullerton College students earning an Associate of Arts degree in cannabis studies.
An annual award, the Faculty of the Year recognizes a professor nominated by students for their significant contributions and positive impact. This year, Nelson-Wright will be honored alongside Fullerton College’s Students of Distinction and Classified Professional of the Year at a special celebration.
She will also be submitted as a North Orange County Community College District nominee for the Orange County Department of Education’s 2027 OC Teacher of the Year, an award celebrating community college educators in Orange County whose efforts have inspired and enabled students to improve their lives.
