Dr. Scott Ray
Dr. Scott Ray
Associate Professor & Dean, Fred Hale School of Business
Dr. Scott Ray describes his path to higher education as "somewhat different" citing the fact that he started out working in business for 27 years, retired, and then started in academia. Dr. Ray says he never dreamed of being a teacher and administrator in a college environment, but in the 80’s when he was held back for promotion due to government sanctions of quotas and affirmative action his outlook changed. As is true for many, Dr. Ray's career path took several unexpected turns. About his journey to academia, Ray notes, "Little did I know that I would later obtain a doctorate in HR and teach about those very things" - government sanctions, affirmative action and much more - which he is now able to augment with personal experience. Little did I know that the multiple management and leadership assignments I was given from the year 1980 to 2000 would train me for leadership positions. Little did I know that my promotion and move to Dallas to head up a corporate university would also prepare me for administration in academia. Little did I know that multiple assignments in academia at one university would prepare me for Dean of another university." As a result of these shifts and changes along the way, now, when Ray is called upon to lead or teach, he is able to draw upon multiple vantage points and experiences for reference, in teaching moments, and leadership practices. Dr. Ray points to each of these opportunities as "a reminder that God was preparing [him] for each subsequent assignment. What an awesome God we serve who is always working in our lives."
What brought you to ETBU?
My friends here brought me to ETBU. When your friends report good things about where they work one can be confident that place is worth being a part of.
What makes a student successful in your class?
For a student to be successful, I ask he/she be prepared, engage with me in discussion, and present college level work.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your ETBU colleagues?
I am amazed at the willingness of my colleagues to help each other be successful. Never have I been at a place where the attitude is one of helpfulness and the exhibition of a "can do" attitude.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your ETBU students?
I love our students and want them to be successful in all areas of life. What I have learned is that our students will rise to the expectations we place on them if we provide encouragement and support for them to attain those goals.
How do you promote Christian Scholarship in your classroom?
Like most professors at a Christian based institution, I encourage students to search for answers in the scriptures and try to bring to life the lessons that are found within.
Academic Credentials
Doctor of Business Administration, 2004
Nova Southeastern University
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Masters of Business Administration, 1996
LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Bachelor of Science Business Management, 1993
LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Associate of Arts, 1993
Kilgore College
Kilgore, Texas
Areas of Expertise
Leadership and Change Management
Professional Affiliations
Society of Human Resource Management SHRM
Publications
Ray, D.S. (2010). The Importance of Identifying Your Ethical Compass. 2010 ISP Conference. Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. Austin, Texas.
Ray, D.S. and Roller, R.H. (2005). Reducing teacher turnover: An empirical examination of antecedents of public school teacher turnover. The International Journal of Business and Public Administration, (2)1, 115-127.
Ray, D.S. and Roller, R.H. (2004). Reducing teacher turnover: An empirical examination of antecedents of public school teacher turnover. Published in the proceedings of the International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines Spring Conference, Tunica, MS, May 2004. ISSN 1547-4836. Note: Best Paper Award.
Case Studies: Integrating Live and Online Instruction. SBC & General Physics Training Magazine, January 2001. Contributing author.
SBC Invests in the Future Human Capital Strategies & News, January 2001. Contributing author.
Teaching Experience
- Associate Professor, Dean, East Texas Baptist University, 2011 to Present
- Associate Professor, LeTourneau University, 2010 to 2011
- Assistant Professor, LeTourneau University, 2004 – 2005 and 2008 to Present
- Adjunct Professor, Dallas Baptist University, 2000-2001
- Adjunct Professor, LeTourneau University, 1997 - 2004
Other Experience
- LeTourneau University Associate Vice President Graduate and Professional Studies, 2005 – 2008
- LeTourneau University Assistant Vice President University Advancement, 2001 - 2004
- Scott Ray & Associates, 2000 - 2005
- SBC Communications, Inc., 1973 - 2000