Dr. Howell F. Wright joined Whiskey University on September 28th, 2020. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Wright earned his Bourbon Diploma on December 17th, 2020. He has been a member of the Whiskey University instructional team since January 2021.

Howell holds a Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) Degree from Nova Southeastern University, specializing in Adult Education. He worked as a senior education manager for the Internal Revenue Service, retiring as the Director of Electronic Learning for the Small Business Division. He has held teaching positions, as an Adjunct Professor, at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, The University of Maryland, Webster University, and MidAmerican Nazarene University. His academic specialties were in Training and Development, Organization Development and Ethics. Howell is also a retired Colonel of Marines. He held command and staff positions from Rifle Platoon Commander through the Division level. Wright has also been in Law Enforcement serving as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, State Equine Abuse officer, County Park Ranger and now as a Reserve Police Officer for Estes Park, Colorado. Howell has been a Professional Rodeo Cowboy and, for six years, acted as the President of the Rooftop Rodeo which won the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, Top Small Rodeo, award two years running. He currently resides in Estes Park, Colorado with his wife J’Ann. They have been married for just over 50 years and have two children and four grandchildren.

Howell was in one of the first three semesters of instructors to graduate with his Associate Degree after passing 15 classes on February 9th, 2021. Howell teaches Whiskey 101, Bourbon 201, Medium Independent Distilleries in the Western States (class #325) and Colorado Whiskeys (class #212) tasting classes. He also wrote the Colorado Whiskeys class. On November 7th, 2021 Wright earned his  Bachelor of Arts Degree with 35 classes, at Whiskey University earning him the title of "Master Bourbon Taster" and the rank of  Captain in the Bourbon Brigade.

Howell has had an interest in the lawmen and outlaws in the Wild West for a long while. His interest in bourbon and rye were born from his interest in the western movies of the 50s and 60s. He also has a great interest in Scotch whisky. All of this led, in 2018, to his co-authoring a book titled, Guidebook to Whiskey and Other Distilled Spirits in Colorado New Mexico & Wyoming. Howell is also an Executive Bourbon Steward with the Stave and Thief Society and a Certified Whisky Ambassador.

Howell has the following Designations & Credentials:

”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”

(from the Whiskey University)

”Executive Bourbon Steward”

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *