Few people are blessed to embark on three careers in
one lifetime, all equally distinguished. From a miltary career that spanned
almost 30 years, to the profession that allowed him to combine his law
skills and passion for people, to a career in education, Kenneth D. Gray
has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service throughout his life.
Born in Excelsior, West Virginia, Mr. Gray received
his bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College in 1966 and was
commissioned a second lieutenant from the Reserve Officers Training Corps.
In 1969, he received his law degree from West Virginia University and
entered active duty in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC).
He was the first African-American General Officer in the JAGC.
In April 1997, Mr. Gray retired from the Army and, one month
later, became vice president for student affairs at West Virginia University
in Morgantown, West Virginia.
His career took off in the 1970s, when he served as a defense
counsel and command judge advocate in Vietnam, worked as an assistant military
affairs officer and later became the senior instructor at a Judge Advocate General's
School. During the 1980s, Mr. Gray served as the staff judge advocate and chief
of the Personnel, Plans and Training Office. In 1991, he was promoted to brigadier
general and was promoted in 1993 to major general and sworn in as the assistant
judge advocate general.
"Climb up the
rough side of the mountain
to reach your goals"
Gray's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal
(the highest award for service in the military), the Legion of Merit, Bronze
Star and Meritorious Service Medal.
In 2000, the Kenneth D. Gray Award was created by the West
Virginia University (WVU) Student Organization in Mr. Gray's honor and is awarded
on an annual basis to student leaders who exhibit exemplary leadership skills.
In 2001, he was selected by the WVU Alumni Association as the WVU Outstanding
Alumnus.
Mr. Gray shares these words of wisdom: "My grandmother
used to tell me that nothing will be handed to you, and you have to work hard
to be successful. She also said that sometimes you have to climb up the rough
side of the mountain to reach your goals."
