Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

Colby-Sawyer’s Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree recognizes an individual of humanitarian character and superior intellect whose life and work have brought about positive, far-reaching change for individuals and organizations.

Nancy Ryan Gray, Ph.D.

President and CEO, Gordon Research Conferences

Nancy Ryan Gray is an accomplished scientist and researcher who has led an extraordinary career progressing from Scientific Fellow at the Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics in Amsterdam to industrial research chemist at Exxon Production Research Company in Houston, Texas, to President and CEO of the Gordon Research Conferences (GRC).

Since 1947, Colby-Sawyer has hosted these conferences that bring together scientists working at the frontier of research of a particular area to discuss all aspects of the most recent advances in the field and to stimulate new directions for research. An exceptional leader of the conferences since 2003, Dr. Gray has implemented a number of diversity initiatives that have expanded participation. In 2016, she introduced the GRC Power Hour™, an informal session for all conferees that provides the opportunity to discuss challenges women face in science and supports the professional growth of women. Dr. Gray also introduced fellowship funding for minority participation in GRC as well as a grant for individuals from predominantly undergraduate institutions. In 2006, Dr. Gray significantly expanded the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) program to foster the professional development of post-doctoral and graduate students. GRSs enable the next generation of scientists to network and discuss their research at a critical time in their careers. She exemplifies the mission of Colby-Sawyer.

Dr. Gray holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in fuel chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University.