The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Educational Administration Department celebrated Mr. Matthew Ray with its Leaders in Education and Service Award in May. 

“Individuals selected for this award are graduates of the educational administration program at UNK and have been recognized for their diligence and observed success as school administrators,” said Michael Teahon, Ed.D., chair of the UNK Department of Educational Administration.

Nominations come from previous award winners focused on distinguished service in the administrative field. UNK first awarded the honor in 1991, and Mr. Ray is the 59th winner. In a release, UNK said, “Colleagues have shared that Mr. Ray leads with a humanity-first approach and genuinely listens. He truly exemplifies the qualities of being a servant leader, making a difference every day. UNK is proud to have Mr. Ray as one of our distinguished alumni and a representative of the College of Education and Educational Administration Department.”

For more than 20 years, Mr. Ray has served the Omaha Public Schools community. He began teaching at Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary. From there, Mr. Ray served in Student Community Services and oversaw the districtwide implementation of a new student information system. Today, he leads Omaha Public Schools as Deputy Superintendent and the Board of Education Secretary. Recently, Mr. Ray served as the interim chief officer for the district Curriculum and School Improvement divisions. Both drive key strategic goals for students and staff. 

The Board of Education selected Mr. Ray as interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year, beginning July 1, 2023.