Applications are now being accepted for one of West VirginiaUniversitys most prestigious student leadership awards, named in honor of Kenneth Gray, vice president for Student Affairs.
“We are very pleased to announce that Student Organization Services is now taking applications for the Kenneth D. Gray Leadership Award,”said Melanie Cook, WVU assistant to the dean of Student Affairs and coordinator of Student Organization Services.”It allows us to honor Vice President Gray as well as worthy students who are following in his footsteps.”
To apply for the new award, which has a Feb. 19 deadline, students must:
Demonstrate initiative in problem-solving and consensus-building
Provide a high level of commitment to Student Affairs and student programs
Foster collaborative and creative thinking
Demonstrate a strong, positive influence with other students to be motivated to accomplish goals
Encourage students to be visionary and positive in their leadership roles
Demonstrate initiative in meeting challenges
Inspire others through example to act with integrity and high professional standards
Pursue and achieve high academic standards
Strive for excellence in communication among their peers and others
Nomination letters should address the specified criteria and include a list of student leadership roles, accomplishments and activities. Resumes are acceptable.
A native of Exelsior, W.Va., (McDowellCounty), Gray became the first African American general in the U.S. Judge Advocate Generals Corps when he was promoted to brigadier general in 1991.
He joined WVU in 1997 after retiring as major general and the Assistant Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps.
From 1990-93, he served as commander of the U.S. Armys legal services agency and chief judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Review (now the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals), with responsibilities that included overseeing 500 attorneys and support personnel, 12 judges and a $10 million budget.
Gray is a member of numerous bar and legal associations, including the Federal Bar Association, the U.S. Supreme Court, the West Virginia State Bar and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
He has received many commendations throughout his career, including a Presidential Citation from the National Association for Equal Opportunities in Higher Education and the Distinguished West Virginia Award from former Gov. Gaston Caperton. He is also a member of WVU s select Academy of Distinguished Alumni.
Outstanding military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Army Achievement Medal. He received three Meritorious Service Medals.
A WVU College of Law graduate, Gray also earned a bachelors of arts degree in political science (1966) from West Virginia State College. In 1975, he earned a graduate degree in law from the University of Virginias Judge Advocate Generals School. He graduated with honors from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
For more information on the award, call 304-293-4397.