Youth Involvement and Leadership

Topic: Dr. Thomas will speak to our club about his work with youth, primarily through 4-H at a national level but also through other organizations.  His 4-H youth have gone on to higher education and jobs across all industries.  Thomas's influence has been a large part in their individual successes. 

Bio: Dr. Thomas Ray has been a Rotarian since 1999. In his full time job, he provides leadership to the Team at the Poe Center for Health Education. He also provides STEM experiences for youth in Wake County and North Carolina through 4-H Youth Development. Thomas has an extensive background in positive youth development and risk behavior prevention work as well as public and private school classroom experience, having achieved National Board Certification while teaching in a Wake County high school. Additionally, Thomas has conducted significant work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in both formal and non-formal settings. His field work connecting technology and health issues has provided opportunities to present locally as well as on the national and international level. His most recent research studied perspectives of subjective well being. Thomas obtained his PhD in Educational Research and Policy Analysis from North Carolina State University. His Masters in Secondary Education is from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and his undergraduate degree in Humanities is from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Thomas demonstrates Service Above Self as he volunteers with a number of community organizations. Thomas currently serves as Board Chair / President of RCF (Reunite Cultures Fund - International Cultural Exchange), Amazing Grace Adoptions and Orphan Care, and Mary Magdalene Ministries. Thomas is a father of four and grandfather of three. He enjoys learning from others, spending time outdoors, traveling, food and music.

Resources: TBD