SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Dr. Huba Ray, Evangel University associate professor of graduate counseling, was recently honored by the Missouri Association of School Psychologists (MASP) with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor is given to practicing or retired school psychologists or psychological examiners who have made significant contributions to the learning of children throughout their careers and who have dedicated their professional lives to the field of psychology.
“Dr. Huba Ray is a consummate counselor educator,” said Dr. Christine Arnzen, EU’s coordinator of graduate counseling programs. “She knows that school counselors are first line mental health providers within the school system. Her investment makes our community stronger, and she is so deserving of this award.”
Ray was presented with the award during the annual State MASP Conference, which was virtual this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Ray has served EU as an adjunct and associate professor for its graduate counseling programs since 2004, and has held a variety of professional positions within local school systems, including Springfield, Fordland, and Nixa.
Most notably, Ray has been a school psychological examiner for the Springfield Public School system since 1978, and has served in this role for Phelps Center for the Gifted since 1992.
Ray is an active member of several professional organizations, including post-secondary vice president of Southwest Missouri School Counselor Association (SMSCA), Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) School Counselor Advisory Committee, and Southwest District MASP representative.
In addition to this honor, Ray was awarded 2006-’07 SMSCA Elementary Counselor of the Year, 2013-’14 SMSCA Counselor Supervisor of the Year, and 2013-’14 MSCA Post-Secondary Counselor Educator of the Year.
“Dr. Ray has found a great balance between rigorous classroom standards and dedicated care for her students,” said Debbie Bicket, EU Behavioral and Social Sciences professor. “Even after graduating, students still contact her for wise guidance and consultation in difficult situations.”
Ray holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Administration from Saint Louis University, a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Missouri State University (MSU), and a Bachelor of Science in Education from MSU. Ray is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
“Receiving this award has re-energized me,” said Ray. “I look forward to continuing my work within professional organizations that promote valuable resources, enhance advocacy skills, and provide a network among outstanding professionals.”
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Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally. Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,200 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master and doctoral degrees.