Mary E. Ray, Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy shares how the power of education shaped her future.

Tell us about your hometown; how did it shape you?

I grew up in Centralia, a small anthracite coal mining town in northeastern Pennsylvania. My hometown was claimed under eminent domain in 1992 and condemned by the state because of an underground coal mine fire burning under the town since 1962. The fire is still burning, and in 2006 it was reported that it is expected to do so for another 250 years due to rich coal deposits under the town. The population of the town declined from approximately 1000 residents when I lived there to only 5 residents as of a few years ago. 

My father was a coal miner for many years, starting aside his father when he was just a boy. As a laborer, my dad felt strongly in the power of education and always encouraged my brothers, sisters, and me to pursue degrees. He wanted us to become financially secure – something that was difficult for many in the post-depression era. In particular, everyone in the town really respected those with advanced degrees such as law, medicine, or in my case...pharmacy. I had planned and was accepted into an engineering program at Penn State University; however, when my dad asked if I had ever considered pharmacy after speaking with a local pharmacist, I pivoted and investigated pharmacy as a career. The rest is history.

Tell us about your hobbies/outside interests.

I love spending time with my husband, James, and my daughters Genna (a freshman at Iowa) and Harper (a junior at West High School). We enjoy great meals and movies, in particular. Over any extended holiday break, it is very common to watch the entire series of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or a good number of Marvel movies.

I also love tending for our flower garden. We have lots of perennials that pop Spring to Fall and I plant lots of annuals. Dahlias are my favorite to cut and make beautiful arrangements for home and office. 

Can you share a recent book/movie/performance that you found compelling and why?

This is a difficult question to answer because I am becoming a bit of a musicals junkie and it is hard to pick. Wicked is probably my favorite musical because the score evokes such powerful emotion – and frankly, what kid growing up watching the Wizard of Oz ever thought they would feel sorry for the Wicked Witch of the West? I also appreciate the drive in the movie to fight injustice. “Animals should be seen and not heard” represents discrimination and oppression which are worthwhile causes.

What surprised you the most about the university?

I think what surprised me the most about the university is the deep sense of pride we all develop being a Hawkeye. It didn’t take long at all for my closet to fill with black and gold, to embrace membership in the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and to fill my socials with fun news and accomplishments.  And gosh–I arrived not caring at all about sports and yet have become a big football fan and an almost possessed girls basketball fan (though I know the latter is a bit universal around here).

Tell us about a project or achievement of which you are particularly proud.

I was fortunate to lead the college through a re-accreditation self-study from 2022 – 2024, with the help of an amazing staff member, Lisa DuBrava, and all the faculty and staff that spent countless hours researching, writing, and preparing for our site visit. We had a very successful review of our program with full 8-year accreditation through 2033. It was a TON of work (and I am glad it is over), but it was a great opportunity to showcase all the great things we do at the College of Pharmacy.

In what ways have you engaged with professional activities outside the institution (local, regional, national)?

I am fortunate to collaborate with great colleagues from other pharmacy programs through work with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance Pharmacy Assessment Collaborative (BTAA-PAC). With both groups, I have conducted research, published several manuscripts, and delivered multiple presentations nationally. It’s been very professionally rewarding.

What changes are on the horizon for your work or your discipline?

So many professions are likely to undergo change in the coming years and pharmacy is no exception. The entire faculty and I will be tasked with implementing our new strategic plan, focusing on things such as incorporating artificial intelligence and digital health. Additionally, the people of Iowa and beyond need highly qualified, skilled, and empathetic practitioners to meet their healthcare needs. Pharmacists are well positioned and have an expanded practice act that will allow them to step into these roles to a greater degree than they are currently. Our aim will be to ensure they are trained to do so.

What piece of advice would you give to today's students?

No matter what field you choose, use that field and future career choice as a conduit to share your own gifts with the world, instead of becoming what everyone else expects. So often, students end up getting on a pre-determined path based on what “most” people do or where “most” people go.  It’s important to really explore your likes, dislikes, and determine what really resonates with you so you can find a good match. It will help you find your eventual niche, help you avoid imposter syndrome, and feel less like work and more gratifying in the long run. 

Where do you see your career taking you?

I was fortunate enough to be chosen to participate in the AACP Academic Leadership Fellows Program during the 2025-2026 academic year. The goal of the program is “to develop and support leaders in the Academy that contribute to the advancement of pharmacy education, higher education, and the pharmacy profession.” I feel this program may foster additional opportunities in the future and this focused development will help me determine what may be written in my next chapter. I am excited for the possibilities.

What words of wisdom would you like to share, what quotation or person inspires you, what does the next chapter look like? 

I am often inspired by the quote “To teach is to touch a life forever,” and feel so fortunate to spend my days with students. Being a pharmacist has been a wonderful career, but being a teacher is altogether something even more special. To help students navigate tough material or finding their best choice for career setting, or celebrating their successes, it brings immense joy.