Monthly Awards: October Faculty of the Month

Dr. Michael P. Gray Photo Credit / Student Senate
Dr. Michael P. Gray
Photo Credit / Student Senate

By Dana reese
Editor in Chief

 

Student Senate awarded October’s faculty member of the month to Dr. Michael Gray of the history department. He helps with the history club in his free time.

He is also the advisor Lacrosse Club.  Dr. Gray is a member of the university wide senate.

Kent State University Press published his first book, The Business of Captivity: Elmira and Its Civil War Prison, in 2001. He is working on his second book, which will explore Johnson’s Island Prison Camp during the civil war. Dr. Gray was named series editor for the University of Tennessee’s Voices of the Civil War.

Though some professors who work publishing have trouble reaching out to students, Dr. Gray credits his work in K-12 education led to his success.

“Being able to understand what students are going through is vital to having students to buy into what you are selling them; Dr. gray has found a way to do so,” wrote Justin Amann.

When asked what he would tell ESU students, Dr. Gray had plenty of advice.

“If you’re a state school kid, you’ve got to work hard,” Dr. Gray said.  He also pushed students to enhance their skills and to be personable.  “Be passionate,” said Dr. Gray.  “Don’t look at it as a job; look at it as a career.”

Dr. Gray has not only been teaching at ESU since 2003, but he even went to the university.

“I met my wife here,” Dr. Gray said.  “I met her in the classroom where I teach.”

As a civil war historian, his chosen idol makes sense.

“Abraham Lincoln—how he handled people,” Dr. Gray responded when asked.

Email Dana at:
dmr3170@live.esu.edu