Melvin C. Ray, Ph.D.

Dr. Melvin C. Ray has nearly three decades ofmanagement and community engagement experience.  Before retiring fromMississippi State University in 2014, Dr. Ray compiled significantaccomplishments in a variety of managerial posts including Associate VicePresident for Economic Development, Special Assistant to the President, InterimVice President for Research, Associate Vice President for Research, andCoordinator of the Social Science Research Center’s Mississippi Crime andJustice Research Unit. As a proven leader, Dr. Ray has been recruited to serveon numerous boards including but not limited to the following: Renasant BankAdvisory, CREATE Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Golden Triangle,Cadence Bank Advisory, Greater Starkville Development Partnership, United Way,West Point-Clay County Growth Alliance, and the University Economic DevelopmentAssociation.  Dr. Ray was instrumental in the design and implementation ofan array of youth development programs including the Starkville-Oktibbeha CountyMy Brother’s Keeper Challenge; We Believe in You Academic Challenge; Men MakingMen Mentoring Initiative; and the Gentlemen Etiquette Mastery Institute. He hasalso published over two dozen journal articles and book chapters, and hasprovided expert consultation to faith-based organizations, public housingauthorities, and public school districts.