A West VirginiaUniversity administrator will join the ranks of such notable national leaders as Coretta Scott King when he is recognized for his leadership skills in an upcoming national publication.

Kenneth D. Gray, vice president for Student Affairs, has been selected among 10 prominent African-American leaders, including King, to be featured in the 2003 Strong Men and Women: Excellence in Leadership series of educational materials produced by Dominion, one of the nations largest energy producers.

“Vice President Gray has helped to oversee WVU ’s growth into a more student-centered learning environment, which has resulted in increased enrollment, improved student behavior and higher academic performance,”said WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr.”I am pleased that his leadership qualities are being recognized nationally. He personifies the excellence of WVU ’s senior leadership team �€talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who are strengthening WVU ’s efforts in teaching, research and service and promoting economic development for West Virginia.”

In addition to be being featured in the Dominion publication, scheduled for printing later this month, Gray will be recognized at a special ceremony on Jan. 22 in Richmond, Va.

A native of Exelsior, W.Va., (McDowellCounty), Gray joined WVU in 1996 after serving for three years as the first African-American general in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General 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 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 earned also earned a bachelors of arts degree in political science in 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 also graduated with honors from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.