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Trustees Appoint 13th President of Elmhurst

Dr. S. Alan Ray, senior vice provost at the University of New Hampshire, will take office on July 1, succeeding Dr. Bryant L. Cureton.

By unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees, Dr. S. Alan Ray has been named the thirteenth president of Elmhurst College.

Dr. Ray, 51, will begin his presidency on July 1. He currently serves as senior vice provost at the University of New Hampshire, where he is responsible for all undergraduate academic programs and curricula.

He will succeed Dr. Bryant L. Cureton, who has served as president of the College since 1994.

“Dr. Ray brings a broad background of scholarly pursuits and senior experience in higher education administration, as well as an articulated passion for Elmhurst College,” said Kenne Bristol, chair of the board, in announcing Dr. Ray’s appointment. “He is an effective communicator, and will provide continued vision for the College.  We look forward to introducing him and his family to the community.”

Dr. Ray previously served as associate dean for academic affairs at Harvard Law School. He holds a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law; a doctorate, master’s degree, and master’s of theological studies from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas Seminary College in Denver.

Dr. Ray’s scholarly interests include religion and public life, Native American studies, and constitutional law. He has taught at Boston College, Harvard Divinity School, and Harvard Law School. He is interested in serving as a member of the Elmhurst faculty in addition to serving as president.

A native of central Oklahoma and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Dr. Ray is married to Angela Katsos Ray, an accomplished development professional with experience at Harvard and MIT. They are the parents of Stephen Ray, age three, and Charlie and Helen Ray, who will celebrate their first birthday on August 6 in Elmhurst.

During the coming weeks, Dr. Ray will visit Elmhurst to meet with members of the campus and larger communities.

For more information call (630) 617-3033.