THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 18, 1995 TAG: 9505180695
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY VANEE VINES, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
In 1961, Judge Jerry G. Bray Jr. was among those who had begun planting the seeds for what would sprout into Virginia Wesleyan College.
When Wesleyan officially opened in 1966, its enrollment wasn't even half of what would be found at many elementary schools. Its budget: $250,000.
A year earlier, Bray had been named chairman of the board of trustees. And he had big plans for the campus - formerly a 300-acre farm - which he envisioned as a ``quality liberal arts college that would prepare people to live meaningful lives.''
After 30 years as chairman, the retired Circuit Court judge on Wednesday announced his decision to step down from the board when his term expires in October. He made the announcement at the board's spring meeting.
``I promised former President Lambuth Clarke and our new president, Billy Greer, that I would remain in office during the period of transition,'' Bray said. ``I feel we have successfully made that transition and it is now time for new, younger leadership.''
Today, the college serves nearly 1,600 students and manages a budget of more than $18.6 million.
Bray, 82, has been a root holding the college in position, said Wesleyan's president, William T. ``Billy'' Greer Jr. ``When it looked as though we might veer off course, he's been the one who said, `Let's stay the course, stay in focus,' '' he said.
``He's a compassionate leader, but a strong leader. . . . While walking around the campus with me on numerous occasions, he's pointed things out and said, `One day, such-and-such building will be here, and such-and-such facility here.' I've often looked over at him and seen tears streaming down his face as he would talk about this college. He feels very deeply about this school, and it's contagious.''
Bray's involvement with the private college, which is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, grew from his work on behalf of the church.
Over the years, Bray said, he's put a premium on ``recruiting good people and staying out of the way and letting them do their thing.''
At an afternoon ceremony Wednesday, Wesleyan also honored its first president and first board chairman, Joseph S. Johnston Sr., who now lives in White Stone. ILLUSTRATION: Jerry G. Bray Jr.
by CNB