KATV: Criminal justice alum/faculty receives medal of valor
Arkansas deputy John Wright saves driver from burning vehicle
John Wright, a University of Cincinnati alumnus and adjunct faculty member, has been recognized for extraordinary bravery in the line of duty.
John Wright, PhD
Wright, who in 1996 became the first graduate of UC’s doctoral program in criminal justice, has combined a career in higher education with public service. After earning his degree, he served on UC’s criminal justice faculty and today continues to teach online courses for the university.
In addition to his academic work, Wright serves as a deputy with the Garland County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas. Earlier this month, while on patrol, he pulled an injured driver from a vehicle that had crashed and caught fire. Moments after the rescue, the car was fully engulfed in flames.
For his actions, Wright received the Medal of Valor, the highest honor awarded by the Sheriff’s Office.
The full story was reported by KATV, Little Rock’s ABC affiliate.
Feature photo at top of Teachers-Dyers building, which houses the UC School of Criminal Justice.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next lives here.
Related Stories
CCM welcomes Sekyung Jang as Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
June 12, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Sekyung Jang, PhD, as CCM's new Assistant Professor of Music Therapy. Her faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026, and Jang will work with college leadership to develop a new program in Music Therapy at CCM in partnership with UC's College of Medicine and the Osher Center for Integrative Health. Jang is an educator, scholar and music therapist passionate about fostering a culture of learning in which students feel safe to explore new ideas, make mistakes, and freely and respectfully receive and give feedback. Jang’s teaching is characterized by a balanced combination of lectures, experiential learning opportunities, and discussion-based instruction that helps students integrate theory and practice.
UC grad and Honda employee helps race team win Indy 500
June 11, 2026
UC engineering graduate JP Suozzi helped driver Felix Rosenqvist win the Indianapolis 500 as a trackside engineer with Honda Racing. While on co-op with Meyer Shank Racing, Suozzi monitored Honda engine performance at the track, contributing to the closest finish in Indy 500 history.
Taking a second look at surgery eligibility for patients with lung cancer who smoke
June 11, 2026
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have found that patients who continue to smoke ahead of lung cancer surgery have a higher risk of pulmonary complications, but their short-term mortality rate is similar to patients who were able to stop smoking before surgery.. Their findings were published recently in the Journal of. American College of Surgeons