Remembering Philip Wainwright, Emory’s global engagement trailblazer

Philip Wainwright, a pioneering force in Emory’s global engagement and study abroad programs, passed away on Sept. 9, 2026, at age 61.

His legacy of meaningful connections reverberates across campus and around the world. 

Wainwright joined Emory College of Arts and Sciences in 1996 to help launch the university’s first study abroad office. He was soon named associate dean and continued to expand study abroad opportunities, leading many students to life-changing educational experiences outside of the U.S. He also helped transform Emory’s pre-college program for high school students into one of the nation’s largest and most impactful programs of its kind.

In 2013, Wainwright began his tenure as vice provost for the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives, which is now Emory Global Engagement. Before retiring in 2024, he led the charge to reimagine — and expand — Emory’s international strategic framework. His work resulted in major institutional partnerships, increased international recognition and a robust infrastructure that supported Emory’s endeavors across the globe.

“Philip Wainwright brought Emory to the world and the world to Emory,” says Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “His visionary leadership in global strategy expanded Emory's international impact and influence, paving the way for transformative opportunities for Emory students and researchers. For nearly three decades, he connected Emory to countries, cultures and ideas, creating experiences that enriched students’ lives and broadened their perspectives. His legacy will continue to benefit the entire Emory community for years to come.”
 

A lasting legacy

Wainwright was born Sept. 18, 1964, and his Emory journey began not long after that — in 1965, before he was even one year old. His father, Arthur Wainwright, joined the faculty at Candler School of Theology, moving the family from their home in Oxford, England, to Atlanta. Wainwright later attended Emory as a student and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, before completing a PhD in history at Stanford University.

Shinn Ko, associate vice provost for Emory Global Engagement, worked with Wainwright for 10 years during his time as vice provost. She remembers him not only for his excellent work but for his kind heart and warm presence with colleagues.

“There are people who leave a lasting legacy through their work,” Ko says. “Philip Wainwright did that. But he also left a lasting legacy through his humanity. Tireless in his commitment to Emory and its people, generous with his time, and unfailingly kind, Philip brought out the best in others and reminded us of the best version of ourselves.

“And then there was that laugh,” she added, “unmistakable, contagious, and capable of brightening any room. I will miss him dearly and remain so grateful for the opportunity to know him and learn from him."

Jane Gatewood, who succeeded Wainwright as vice provost for Emory Global Engagement after his retirement in 2024, says Wainwright’s “legacy is undeniable.”

“I had the pleasure of knowing Philip as a leading figure in the field of international education for years,” she says. “I feel honored to now lead the Emory Global Engagement team in his footsteps and continue to build from the great foundation he created at Emory over the decades. We mourn this loss with the entire community."

Upon his retirement, Wainwright shared his own thoughts on his Emory career, reflecting on his impact on study abroad programs and his tenure as vice provost for the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives.

“It is satisfying to know that I have had a role in enabling so many students to have the experience of another country and culture,” he said at the time. “I have heard from many of those students over the years that those overseas experiences are tremendously important in shaping their futures and their outlook on the world and global issues.”

Building global partnerships “is rooted in the core mission of the university,” Wainwright said then. “It has been exciting, as a vice provost, to consider how these external relationships could be leveraged across the entire institution, whether it has to do with study abroad, health sciences or the humanities.

“I have had a rewarding career here, but nobody accomplishes anything by themselves. With a lot of great people here, we’ve been able to accomplish a lot.”

A family-hosted memorial service for Philip Wainwright will take place Friday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. at North Decatur United Methodist Church, 1523 Church St., Decatur, Georgia, 30030.