Retired Faculty & Staff

After 40 years, Upper School English teacher Wright Abbot is finishing his last chapter at McDonogh. His story began in 1985 when he joined the faculty. He quickly became part of the campus community, and after a secret courtship with his colleague and now wife of almost 40 years, Cynthia Cox, they married and raised their children here. Over the years, their family grew to include boarders and colleagues who flocked to their home for companionship, advice, and good cheer. 

Since 1985, Mr. Abbot has quite literally taught thousands of students. But his lessons are not just by the book. He understands the core of teaching as relationships, conversations, and an exchange of ideas. Students in his class don’t simply learn concepts or quotes; they become wiser, more mature, fuller versions of themselves. Countless young people have found that their minds, understandings, and even paths have changed after conversations with Mr. Abbot. His classes have pushed them out of their comfort zones and taught them to think deeply.

He has had a similar impact on generations of faculty members whom he has mentored, fundamentally changing how they teach and how they support and empower their students. One colleague says, “Wright is a positive fount of wisdom, but he offers his advice in conversation, not in monologue, always aiming for a discussion of pedagogy rather than a directive.”  

As Mr. Abbot prepares for life beyond McDonogh, we celebrate the countless ways he has shaped, supported, and enriched our school community. Beyond the classroom, at one time or another, he coached the varsity boys golf, and the JV and Fresh-Soph boys basketball teams. His legacy also includes creating and leading the Summer Orientation Program for freshmen for 25 years, playing a pivotal role in drafting McDonogh’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and selecting our last two Heads of School and the Heads of Upper School. 

He has been recognized for his ability to inspire and enlighten his students as the 2013 recipient of the Doc Lamborn Teaching Chair, and in 2020, the W. Wright Abbot Master Teaching Chair was established in his honor. But that’s not all—you can even find a house in Marc Village named for him!

While it's difficult to imagine McDonogh without Mr. Abbot, he has prepared us well for the future. Just as he empowered his students, he has equipped our community with the foundation needed to move forward with confidence.

Wright, we extend our deepest gratitude to you for your 40 remarkable years of service and warmly wish you every happiness as you begin your next chapter.