Ray is Vice President for Enrollment at TWU. He and his wife Anita came to Denton four years ago, having previously served as Vice President for Administration at faith-based Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Serving
“I had worked at faith-based institutions my entire adult life,” Ray explained. “I decided it was time to look for ways to serve those outside the faith community. When TWU initially posted the position, I elected to not apply for the position, but later I ran into a member of the search firm at a national conference and realized that I needed to reconsider.
“At a public, secular institution I had to learn to operate within new boundaries,” he said. “Hopefully my faith comes out in how I serve others. I lead a large team of very hard working and gifted people, but I see my role as serving them.”
The Power of Education
Ray also talked about some of the current trends in enrollment. “Across the nation, the number one criteria for education is affordability. The quality of education is second; parents are very focused on the increasing cost of education, and what they get for their investment.” College costs since 1991 have nearly tripled. (source: NCES)
“Education is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty, and I see it as my ministry in Texas,” Ray concluded.