Alumni Spotlight: Ray Person

“My graduate experience at NC State University and PRTM prepared me (as well as my colleagues) to be leaders in our respective professions.”

Ray Person, who graduated in 2018 with a Masters in Natural Resource Management and Policy recently accepted a position as Assistant Director of Admissions at Texas Christian University (TCU). Ray is a 2010 Graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences and received an Executive Education Leadership Certification from the Rice Business – Jones Graduate School of Business.

Why did you choose NC State for your graduate degree and what was your focus?

NC State University’s graduate school is known for top tier, high quality research. The faculty are award-winning researchers and innovative leaders in their respective fields of study. Prior to attending NC State University, I knew my co-advisors as an undergraduate. Both Dr. Myron Floyd and Dr. Jason Bocarro were well-known researchers with successful track records of working with graduate students.

My research focused on race, ethnicity, and leadership. I sought to identify factors that contribute to the career mobility and progression  of black professionals in leisure related professions. My committee consisted of my co-advisors, Dr. Myron Floyd, Dr. Jason Bocarro and committee members, Dr. Kimberly Bush and Dr. KangJae “Jerry” Lee,  also known as The Dream Team.

Was there a teacher or mentor that had an impact on your journey?

While in graduate school, I was inspired by a number of individuals:

• Anju Singh is a true champion and advocate for all students within the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. She provided me with positive reinforcement throughout my graduate experience and always found the right words to make the toughest days much brighter.
• Annette and Roger Moore both were super supportive. Annette kept my passion for working directly with students alive. She made my experience as a graduate teaching assistant exciting. While Roger and I became great friends after his retirement. He was a great listener who provided great feedback.
• Professor Kathy Hamilton-Gore, Dr. Sonya Shaw, and Dr. Shaefny Grays were true warriors. Professor Gore is passionate about student success. She showed it in her time and efforts weekly. Dr. Shaw was finishing her dissertation  while I was working on my research so she provided me with a different perspective on successfully navigating graduate school. While Dr. Grays (like Anju) advocated for the CNR graduate students. She also prepared many of us for post graduation.

Outside of graduate school, I have been inspired by a number of individuals as well. But I will say Dr. Danielle Harris, Kasandra Phillips, and Carlos Meekins have been great mentors. They provided me with the opportunities to explore who I desire to become as a professional. They have a passion for working with people and empowering them to exceed their own expectations.

……. as you can see it truly takes a village.

Did you do an internship?

I did not participate in any internships at NC State University. However, I was given opportunities to lead initiatives and conduct additional research in the College of Natural Resources. I served on former CNR Dean Watzin’s Education Advisory committee. I was 1 of 3 graduate students asked to serve on the committee which included CNR faculty and staff. Additionally, I served as the Co-President for PRTM’s graduate student association (GSA). These opportunities prepared me for future leadership roles involving management, strategic planning, and data management.

What was a highlight of your time at NC State?

 The lifelong friendships that I created with my roommates and classmates.

You’ve been involved in quite a bit since your graduated, where do you get your personal motivation?

I am a man who walks by faith and I am a first generation college graduate. Both of my parents (Ray and Verdell Person) constantly share their desire for me to strive to be the best version of myself. Watching my parents work extremely hard each day to provide for me, my siblings, and others. Let’s just say they provided me with the blueprint of what hard work should represent.

How did you get involved with the TED Talk conference you spoke at and how was the experience?

I have worked in higher education for almost ten years. I think I was nominated by someone at Texas A&M University. It might had been one of my 24 camp counselors from Camp Person (Fish Camp 2018). I delivered a “Camp Fire” speech to 120+ incoming freshmen in addition to staff members at Fish Camp. I think my speech called the “The Power of Transparency” impacted my attendees. After the initial nomination, I participated in an application process and a series of interviews before making the final cut. Then I worked with a group of student leaders to choose a topic. I decided to lead a TED Talk on managing mental health and well-being. The 18-minute speech was called, “You Never Have to Walk Alone.” The session was well received, heavily attended, and if it helped one current student or family then I did my job.  Overall, the experience was rewarding and life changing.

What are your hopes for your new position as Assistant Director of Admissions?

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion is a hot topic at Texas Christian University (TCU). I would like to combine my work experience in K-12 and higher education in addition to the knowledge and skills obtained as a graduate student to make a difference. Personally, I feel like my graduate experience at NC State University and PRTM prepared me (as well as my colleagues) to be leaders in our respective professions.