Schoolhouse Living Learning Community named for Nancy Sullivan Ray ’55

On March 20, 2026, Radford University named the Schoolhouse Living Learning Community in honor of Nancy Sullivan Ray '55, a beloved alumna, dedicated educator and steadfast supporter. Organizationally housed in the College of Education and Human Development, the Ray Schoolhouse LLC serves as a supportive and immersive environment for students preparing to become educators.

This was a particularly special day to celebrate the naming as it would have also been Ray's 91st birthday. Born on a farm in Washington County, Virginia, she graduated as salutatorian from William King High School. She enrolled at Radford College at just 16 years old, immersing herself in campus life by joining Alpha Sigma Alpha, Future Business Leaders of America, German Club and participating in student government. She carried these experiences with her throughout life including her meaningful career in education, teaching first in Danville, then in Radford and later Knoxville, where she earned her master's degree and eventually joined the University of Tennessee faculty.

No matter where life took her, Ray supported Radford University. She gave back for an extraordinary 40 consecutive years, sharing that her motivation for doing so was rooted in gratitude. Both she and her husband, John Ray, Ed.D., were scholarship recipients as undergraduates and recognized the power of someone opening a door for you. Together, she and John established the John R. Ray and Nancy Sullivan Ray Scholarship in 1997 and the Teachers for Tomorrow Initiative in 2017.

In November 2025, the Rays' were recognized as Tartan Fellows, which is the highest distinction that donors can receive. It honors those who embody the "trifecta" of philanthropy through recognition in the McConnell Circle and the Society of 1910, along with 20 or more cumulative years of support for Radford University.

Last fall, as the Rays considered their next commitment, they found an opportunity that resonated: supporting the Schoolhouse Living Learning Community, which provides leadership development, mentorship, collaborative projects and a sense of belonging to future teachers.

Brian Kitts, Ed.D., director of the Ray Schoolhouse LLC, echoed this sentiment during the naming ceremony. "Because of the incredible generosity of Nancy and John, we are able to expand what this experience means for our students. Their support allows us to create opportunities that build confidence, strengthen relationships and provide meaningful learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom."

Penny Helms White '85, MBA '87, vice president for Advancement and Alumni Relations, summarized the future impact of this gift: "Your unwavering support of Radford University will be felt through students who may never meet you, but who will live out the opportunities you and Nancy made possible."

Sadly, Ray passed away in January 2026, before this ceremony could take place. John offered a few remarks on her behalf. "There is little question that Nancy would have been thrilled with today," he began. "To be honored by her university for doing something she loved, helping Radford students, was one of the highlights of her life."

John spoke about how deeply Nancy valued her Radford degree. "You would need to search wide and hard to find a graduate who was prouder or more appreciative of her degree and her university than Nancy."

Tamara Wallace, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Human Development, followed with words of gratitude and reflection. "Dedicating the Nancy Sullivan Ray '55 Schoolhouse Living Learning Community on what would have been Nancy's birthday is a wonderful reminder of the generosity and vision that Nancy and John shared."

"Nancy's legacy will live on daily in the energy, creativity and connections that happen among our schoolhouse students and beyond," she said. "We will continue to reflect her spirit, her values and her belief in students."

If you are interested in learning more about supporting the College of Education and Human Development at Radford University, please contact Rebekah LaPlante, director of gift planning, at [email protected] or 540-831-5167.