On April 11, one of Missouri Southern’s own will be honored with the Governor’s Outstanding Teacher Award in a ceremony at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

James Gray, professor of Business Administration, recently learned of his award, and as the date approaches still follows the same principles he installed in his first class in 1969.

“I’m honored,” he said. “After being in administration and go back into the classroom, to receive this award, I’m honored and appreciative.”

Gray served as dean of the school of business from 1990 to 2001. He also served as an interim dean for one year as well. But something happened in 2002 to make Gray return to the classroom.

“The school of business has endured tremendous progress in the area of academics,” Gray said. “We went from being a non-accredited school to being accredited. Plus the leadership and visionary powers of (University President) Dr. (Julio) León has been a very stimulating factor for our school.”

“Outside of my grandchildren, the biggest reason I got out of the classroom was the online courses. I would guess that 95 percent of our courses are online or are backed by blackboard.”

In 1969, Gray came to the Southern campus after finishing his master’s degree at the University of Arkansas.

“I was wanting to go back to the Omaha, Neb., area and there was an opening,” he said. “I came for six months, and I stayed. I enjoy teaching. I enjoy the classroom, and I enjoy watching young men and women develop into young men and women.”

With the exception of three years in the private business sector, Gray has spent more than 30 years in service to Southern.

“I’ve worked with Jim Gray for many years,” said Dr. Holland (Neal) Blades, Jr., head of the department of marketing/management. “He’s a wonderful collegue, was a great dean, a dedicated teacher and has done a great job in leadership. He’s deserving of this award and any others he may receive.”

Though he knows the award presentation is nearing, Gray still remains humble.

“I think for me, at this stage in my career, it’s an honor,” he said. “Teaching means a lot to me. I’m at the stage in life where people start asking me when I’m going to retire. I want to make that decision at a point where I’m not being remembered as the old professor in class that can’t do it anymore. This award means a lot.”

Since his career has received more validation, Gray continues to pursue his classroom goals.

“I continue to teach, and continue to develop the online approach and to make it effective,” he said. “I truly believe I get to know my students better online than in the classroom setting. I truly believe it takes work and a good approach, and I plan to continue developing that.”