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Hollan Wright, WIU Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) graduate.
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Just Hired: Hollan Wright

May 8, 2025

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL - - Meet Hollan Wright, a Western Illinois University Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) graduate, who has been hired by Knox-Warren Special Education District (KWSED) in Galesburg.

"KWSED is a team of specialists who provide services for Pre K-12 students receiving special education services in the Knox and Warren county regions. Our mission is to advocate for our students and ensure that they have access to a meaningful and successful educational experience," Wright said.

Committed to using her education to help students within her community, Wright directly discussed the possibility of contributing to KWSED with the director.

"I had heard nothing but wonderful experiences for those working at KWSED and I knew they had great success with hiring WIU alumni from the program!" Wright said. "I spoke with the director, who was very welcoming and helped me throughout the internship/job-seeking process. He was very reassuring and allowed me to visit the specialists on the team to hear their feedback about the district. I knew it was where I was meant to be!"

Wright's undergraduate experience at WIU inspired her to further her education and join the Specialist in School Psychology program.

"I completed my undergraduate degree at WIU with a major in psychology and a minor in educational studies. From my experience, I knew that I wanted to stay and obtain my specialist degree." Wright said.

Through her coursework and professors, Wright gained valuable experience that helped her feel confident about entering the professional world.

"I have learned so much throughout the SSP program," Wright said. "I felt very prepared going into my internship year. I love that this program is hands-on and provides its students with many opportunities to expand career knowledge. I had knowledgeable professors and a cohort who became some amazing friends and supporters."

To stay involved with WIU, Wright plans to advocate for the SSP program and inspire those who want to pursue the same path.

"I will continue speaking highly of WIU and promoting the SSP program to those within my community," Wright said.

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw.

To learn more about the WIU Specialist in School Psychology program, visit wiu.edu/cas/psychology/ssp.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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