Dr. Ray Young: Applying Communication Skills Inside and Outside theClassroom

VALDOSTA -- Dr. Ray Young describes his 24 years and counting at VSU as very fulfilling and rewarding. The speech communication professor specializes in mentoring, leadership, interpersonal communication, and quantitative research.

“I think VSU and I have grown together in the last 24 years. I continue to enjoy teaching and interacting with students,” Young said. “Likewise, I find great pleasure in conducting research and collaborating with other faculty.”

Young initially came to VSU because his first tenure track position seemed like a good career match, and it has proven to be exactly that. He was presented with the 2011Excellence in Professional Activity during this year’s Convocation.

“I feel very honored to be recognized by my peers at VSU,” Young said. “Receiving the Excellence in Professional Activity confirms my belief that I am at the peak of my career.”

Over the years, Young’s research has focused on everything from the mentoring of new teachers to the perceptions of female sportscasters. Outside of the classroom, Young likes to spend his leisure time body surfing.