Phone:

317-278-3024

Email:

richbray@iu.edu

Role(s):

Community Partnerships,

Campus:

IU Indianapolis

Biography

Dr. Richard Bray is a higher education leader, community connector, and lifelong advocate for expanding opportunity. For more than two decades, he has worked at the intersection of education, community development, and leadership - building partnerships that help students succeed and communities thrive.

Throughout his career at Indiana University and in community organizations, Richard helped design programs that increase access to scholarships, grow enrollment pipelines, and strengthen relationships between universities, nonprofits, businesses, and civic leaders. He is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and helping institutions create meaningful pathways for underrepresented students.

At his core, Dr. Bray believes leadership is about service, collaboration, and leaving systems better than we found them. Whether working with community partners, coaching staff, or developing strategic initiatives, the goal is always the same: to create opportunities that empower people and strengthen communities.

Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in communications along with a master’s degree in Higher Education from Ohio University. Also a Master of Divinity and a PhD from Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric. He has the distinction of being the first graduate of CTS to also earn a PhD from the seminary .

Outside of work, you may find Richard learning the game of golf, practicing yoga, crocheting to unwind, or spending time with his family.