Michelle Gray, a former state lawmaker with experience in finance, healthcare, and education, has been named chief financial officer and vice chancellor for finance and administration at Arkansas State University-Beebe.
Gray began her career in higher education finance in 2006 as a business manager at Ozarka College, where she later served as interim vice president for finance. She transitioned to healthcare in 2012, working as a clinic administrator before taking on leadership roles with White River Health System and, most recently, A First Name Basis Home Care, where she was the Arkansas market leader.
From 2015 to 2022, Gray also represented Izard, Stone, and Independence counties in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Gray said her commitment to community colleges is rooted in personal experience. Her son completed an aviation program at a two-year institution, a step she credits as key to his career as a commercial pilot and flight instructor.
“I have a heart for higher education, community colleges specifically, and the mission they strive to attain,” Gray said in a statement.
ASU-Beebe Chancellor Jennifer Methvin said Gray’s background makes her a strong addition to the college’s leadership team.
“We are excited to welcome Michelle to ASU-Beebe,” Methvin said. “She brings not only an extensive knowledge and experience in financial leadership, but she shares a passion for our mission of transforming lives.”
Gray holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and is a graduate of the Arkansas Community Colleges’ Higher Education Leadership Institute and the Center for Advancement of Leadership Skills.
As CFO, she will oversee procurement, cashiering, business management, accounting, accounts payable and receivable, and facilities operations.
Gray said she sees community colleges as vital to students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
“ASU-Beebe has such a wide variety of degrees and certificates, and they provide an avenue for students to achieve their goals while remaining close to home and part of their community,” she said.
Image: ASU-Beebe
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