Release date: May 12, 2004
Contact: Nancy Seideman, Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0640 or nseidem@emory.edu

Emory University Selects New Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Johnnie D. Ray High Resolution version available on request

Emory University has named Johnnie D. Ray, vice president for resource development at The University of Texas at Austin, as senior vice president for institutional advancement. His appointment, which was announced by Emory President James W. Wagner, is subject to approval by the university's board of trustees. Ray is expected to assume his new role July 1.

Ray, 52, most recently led UT-Austin's capital campaign that raised $1.5 billion during the past seven years. "Johnnie Ray brings to Emory demonstrated leadership in development along with a deep sense of what is at the heart of higher education," said Wagner in making the announcement.

Ray has been at Austin since 1996, first as associate vice president for development before being promoted to his current post in 1997. He directed the "We're Texas" campaign at the university, with the original goal of $1 billion achieved two years ahead of its seven-year schedule.

He also played a leading role in two innovative ventures at the university: the creation of a Web site providing access to the institution's cultural and intellectual resources, including materials for K-12 teachers in Texas; and the UT Film Initiative, a public-private consortium in which faculty and students work with leading film industry talent to produce commercial films for widespread distribution.

At Emory Ray will be responsible for all externally focused institutional operations, including development, advancement services, alumni affairs, governmental and community affairs, public affairs and communications.

Prior to his tenure at UT-Austin, Ray was director of development for the sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. He previously served as associate vice president for development and university relations for McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Ray has served as a board member for the Austin Area Urban League and the Candlelight Ranch of Austin.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. For more than a decade Emory has been named one of the country's top 25 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its nine schools, the university encompasses The Carter Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, a comprehensive metropolitan health care system.

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