Wright Finney at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in 2018. (Mark Wallheiser/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering community mourns the passing of Mr. Wright C. Finney, a dedicated educator, researcher and mentor whose contributions shaped the foundation of our Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering for nearly three decades.
Mr. Finney passed away last week, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service that continues to influence our academic programs and the countless students and faculty members whose lives he touched.
A Foundation in Interdisciplinary Excellence
Mr. Finney’s career exemplified the power of interdisciplinary scholarship. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida State University in 1975, with minors in chemistry and mathematics, he continued his graduate work at FSU, completing a Master of Science in Marine Ecology and Systematic Zoology in 1978. Working under the mentorship of Professor Larry Abele (who would later serve as FSU Provost), Mr. Finney developed specialized expertise in statistics that would prove invaluable throughout his career.
His professional trajectory took a pivotal turn when he joined Professor Robert Davis’s Aerosol Physics Research Group in FSU’s Department of Physics. There, Mr. Finney made significant contributions to groundbreaking research on electron beam and pulsed corona technology for air pollution control, specifically targeting the removal of sulfur and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from coal-fired power plants. His work, supported by U.S. Department of Energy grants, resulted in widely cited publications that advanced the field of environmental engineering and air quality management.
Building a Department, Shaping a Program
When Mr. Finney joined the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering in 1992 as an Associate in Research, he brought a unique combination of expertise in chemistry, biology and physics. This interdisciplinary foundation enabled him to play an instrumental role during the department’s formative years, working closely with department chairs and faculty to establish the strong program we know today.
His contributions were comprehensive and far-reaching. Mr. Finney assisted faculty with research including the design and development of experimental apparatus, and he supervised graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory settings ensuring rigorous laboratory safety standards. His meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of curriculum development proved essential during multiple accreditation cycles, including ABET and SACS reviews, where his preparation and expertise consistently contributed to successful outcomes.
A Mentor’s Heart, A Scholar’s Mind
Beyond his administrative and research contributions, Mr. Finney will perhaps be most remembered for his unwavering commitment to student success. As the long-time advisor to the Student Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, he organized fundraising events to support student travel to conferences. He worked individually with students on professional development. He extended personal support to graduate and undergraduate students alike, offering guidance on research, academics and—for international students—navigating life in a new country.
His dedication earned recognition through the FSU Seminole Award for his service to the program, and the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Award from the American Cancer Society for his community contributions beyond the university.
A Lasting Impact
Throughout his tenure with the department, Mr. Finney worked alongside five different department chairs, providing continuity, institutional knowledge and steadfast commitment to excellence. His willingness to “go the extra mile,” combined with his careful attention to detail and genuine care for the department’s mission, created a foundation upon which the program’s quality reputation was built.
Mr. Finney made significant contributions to the development of the new Biomedical Engineering undergraduate degree—playing a major role in the planning and implementation of this program up until his retirement in 2020.
Honoring His Memory
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Finney’s family, friends and all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the robust academic programs he helped build, the students he mentored and the culture of excellence and service he modeled throughout his career. His contributions remind us that institutional excellence is built through dedication, mentorship and an unwavering commitment to supporting the success of others.