Wray Receives Statewide Award
For Services To Developmental Education Students

4-11-96
University Park, Pa. -- Howard E. Wray, III, associate dean for Undergraduate Education at Penn State, received the Outstanding Service to Developmental Education Students award at the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Educators in March.

Wray is also director of the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program at Penn State, and is responsible for coordinating academic assistance and learning support programs for the University, including seven federally funded Department of Education programs, the Educational Opportunity Programs, and the University Learning Resource Centers at University Park. He also oversees the Comprehensive Studies Program, a state-funded program for low-income students.

In a testimonial, Dr. JoAnne Burley, chief executive officer of the Penn State McKeesport Campus, spoke of Wray's support for campus initiatives, including an "effort that resulted in the preparation of a proposal that netted our campus a federal grant in excess of $500,000," and his continuing support for inservice training for staff.

Since 1989, Wray and Academic Assistance Program personnel, whom he supervises, successfully competed for federal and private foundation grants totaling more than $8.5 million -- or about $2 million annually -- that enroll and help students from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups graduate from post-secondary education.

"Since Dr. Wray joined Penn State, the quality of our academic assistance programs has improved markedly," said Vice Provost for Educational Equity James B. Stewart. "He has introduced sound management techniques to enhance the overall efficiency of our support services and reorganized the delivery of those services as needed. He has developed extensive knowledge of the operation of a variety of other offices that influence the persistence of students, and participates regularly in ongoing efforts to asses and improve the quality of services of all units that work directly with students."

Students also spoke of Wray's continuing interest and encouragement. "During my freshman year, Dean Wray made a special effort to find out our career goals and urge us to take the courses that would get us ready to meet them. He stressed the importance of getting a strong foundation to prepare us for the harder courses ahead. Even now, every time I see him, he asks me how I'm doing in my courses," says David Graves, who is now a junior majoring in business administration.

The Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Educators is an advocate of equal educational opportunity for all persons who have the potential and the desire to achieve in post-secondary education. It promotes education and understanding about developmental education among the public and educators in higher education and serves as a forum for discussion and program support to developmental educators.

**cr**

Contacts:
Christy Rambeau
(814) 865-7517 (office)
(814 237-9046 (home)
cmr7@psu.edu

Alan Janesch
(814) 865-7517 (office)
(814 867-3621 (home)
axj12@psu.edu