Dr. Susan Gail Wray
In all she did, Dr. Susan Gail Wray, who served as a professor at Montclair State University, was committed to making a difference. That goes for her dedication to her students and deep passion for social justice issues during her lifetime, and for the enduring legacy she left after her passing.
Before her death in August 2017, Dr. Wray had arranged to establish the Dr. Susan Wray Endowed Graduate Scholarship, which now supports graduate students in the early childhood and elementary education programs in the University's Department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education and Human Services. The creation of this scholarship has ensured that Dr. Wray's generosity, dedication to students and belief in Montclair State University's mission will continue while supporting education and benefiting the community.
Dr. Wray grew up in St. Charles, Illinois. She received her undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University, where she found her calling in the field of education. After working successfully in the private sector for a company involved with computers in elementary education, Dr. Wray discovered her love for higher education. She went on to obtain her Master of Science and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on early childhood education.
In 2003, she accepted a tenure track position as a faculty member in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education at Montclair State University. She was respected and admired by the faculty and her students and was influential in preparing scores of teachers to meet the needs of their students. During her tenure, Dr. Wray was involved in procuring two $6.5 million grants from the U.S. Department of Education to help prepare teachers to teach in Newark and other urban public school districts.
Dr. Wray leaves a legacy that will play a vital role in the lives of future educators for generations to come.
A gift in your will or other estate plan is a meaningful way to remember someone important in your life. Contact Ely F. Santoni, CFRE at 973-655-3695 or santonituere@montclair.edu to learn more about your giving options.