Jaxon Wright ’26 Found His Teams at Converse

Written by Chris Worthy

Jaxon Wright ’26 is on the move, often literally. He is a long-distance runner, an accomplished student headed to graduate school, and a passionate team member ready to make a difference. He also has autism. All of those characteristics are part of who he is, but none fully define him – he lets his character and commitment do that.

Wright started running competitively in high school, and ultimately, came to Converse University as a student-athlete. He wanted a college atmosphere where he was part of something bigger than himself and where he would be closely connected to others who would hold him accountable if his dreams and his diagnosis collided.

“At Converse — everyone’s kind of like family.”

Jaxon Wright ’26

“At Converse, especially in the (athletics) community, everyone’s kind of like family,” he said. “Everyone keeps each other accountable, and it was one of the main reasons that I felt like I would belong here. I wanted to keep myself accountable and do what I like doing, which is running, but also pursue higher education.”

Finding His Passion

As a child, Wright was in special education classes, and he was told he likely would not finish middle school. College seemed too far-fetched, but he persevered. Wright said his parents advocated for him every step of the way, and running gave him the focus he needed. At Converse, he thrived.

Wright found his academic purpose in his second year of study when he took an International Relations class with Dr. Joe Dunn, Professor of History and Politics.

Wright found his academic purpose in his second year of study when he took an International Relations class with Dr. Joe Dunn, Professor of History and Politics.

“As soon as I went in there, I excelled,” Wright said.

The study of politics delighted Wright and quickly drew him in, both for his major and for a planned career in international work. The timing was critical for him after an injury during his second semester kept him from competing with the cross-country team.

“I kind of lost my identity as an athlete, and when I lost my identity as an athlete, I just didn’t do that great in school, but Dr. Dunn saw this.” Wright said. “He personally looked out for me whenever I needed someone to do that.”

Dunn praised Wright’s commitment, work ethic, and selflessness. He said the more Wright accomplishes, the more he seeks to accomplish – and in doing so, Wright continues to surpass expectations. 

“Jaxon is one of the greatest prides of Converse and of my career.”

Dr. Joe Dunn

“Jaxon is one of the greatest joys that I have had in 50 years at Converse,” Dunn said. “Beyond all his other attributes, he is one of the nicest, kindest individuals that I have ever known. I have learned so much from watching him develop, which is a tribute to Converse at its very best. Never underestimate this young man. From where he has come to where he will go, there are no limits. Jaxon is one of the greatest prides of Converse and of my career.”

Wright majored in both Politics and History, soaking up as much information as possible. He became part of Model NATO and Model Arab League, and he was selected to participate in Gateway KSA, a transformative experience that included a visit to Saudi Arabia. Wright said the trip expanded his understanding of the world. 

Eventually, Wright did make it back to running, and he credits his team, peers and professors with continued support.

“They’re like my second family,” he said “They’re amazing people. They genuinely looked after me. I had to come back. I had to work really hard to get where I was, and I did.”

Acceptance and Purpose – and a Bright Future Ahead

Wright found a second team of sorts in academics, which he did not expect. He said he started his college career struggling to accept his autism diagnosis. It is now just another part of who he is.

“I thought that something was wrong with me, but as I got accepted in Converse, my team, especially, and a lot of my friends were genuinely accepting of me, and they were really kind to me,” he said. “They helped me become the person who I am right now – letting me be myself. They helped me be who I was supposed to be. I know my brain functions differently. I know it does. But at this point I’ve embraced it, especially the way I’m analytical –I think a lot of people will need that.”

This fall, Wright will begin a Master of International Policy program at the University of Georgia. He credits his teams, both academic and athletic, with pushing him to be his best.

“They saw a lot of potential in me, potential that I did not think I had, and they helped me excel,” he said.