Ronald Gray Named Vice President for Student Life
Gray brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education.
Ronald Gray, who brings more than 20 years of experience as a student-serving colleague, will join Manhattan College as the Vice President of Student Life on July 1.
Gray comes to campus from Felician University, where he has served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
At Felician, Gray served as a member of the president’s cabinet, and advised on issues, policies and laws related to the student experience. He was the chief administrator for the Center for Personal and Professional Development, Counseling Center, New Student Programs, Center for Student Engagement and Leadership, Center for Student Health, Residence Life, Dining Services, Bookstore, University Safety and Security, Community Rights and Responsibilities, Office of the Reduction of Violence against Women, and Transportation.
“[Dr. Gray’s] strong record of success at Felician demonstrates his gifts as a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and an effective manager and mentor,” said Brennan O’Donnell, president of Manhattan College, in a letter to the community announcing the appointment. “Among the many particular strengths noted by his references and by our search committee is his success in collaborating with Academic Affairs in developing a campus culture of inclusion and support, and his experience with and commitment to the mission of faith-based institutions.”
Gray also revised and created campus-wide policies related to Title IX compliance and procedures, and established a research initiative related to students’ needs, issues, and developmental concerns.
Gray has also held leadership development positions at Tidewater Community College (Va.) and at the University of Pittsburgh. He began his career at The Pennsylvania State University, where he worked to recruit students across the State of Pennsylvania and beyond. He has also served in residence life positions at Buffalo State College and the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
He has participated in service to his community alongside the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the Newark Regional Business Partnership, and previously as a mentor in the Great Expectation Program and with 200+ Men of Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Gray received his bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University, his master’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.