Weslie Gray
Huntsville,TX
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Sam Houston State University, excelling in strategic planning and operations. Spearheaded a $6.2M grant initiative, enhancing community engagement and stakeholder relations. Adept at budget oversight and cross-functional team leadership, driving impactful marketing strategies and fostering strategic partnerships to elevate institutional visibility.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Operations
College of Arts & Media, Sam Houston State University
01.2013 - Current
- Lead strategic planning and operations for five academic units and the College of Arts & Media, overseeing nearly 200 faculty and staff and supporting 1,800 enrolled students
- Lead the CAM Marketing & Communications Team, consisting of an Associate Director, Communications Manager, and eight interns specializing in graphic design, social media, copywriting, photography, and video production
- This team provides marketing and communication support for over 250 events annually, ensuring comprehensive event promotion strategies that increase audience engagement and visibility for the college and its departments
- Editor in Chief of CAM Magazine, an annual publication with a combined digital and physical reach of over 10,000 copies annually, enhancing alumni, donor, and community engagement
- Partnered with University Advancement and worked directly with donors to facilitate naming ceremonies for college spaces tied to donations exceeding $100K or estate gifts and numerous high-value donations, including art collections, musical instrument collections, and estate gifts exceeding $1 million, ensuring proper stewardship and donor recognition
- Served as Co-Principal Investigator on a $6.2M Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) grant, leading a cross-functional team of faculty, staP, and interns to develop statewide vaccine education and marketing campaigns
- Led a team of 12, including two full-time staff, three faculty experts in PR and data science, and multiple interns in graphic design, social media, copywriting, photography, and videography
- Secured $3.2M of the grant specifically for the College of Arts & Media, marking the largest grant in the college's history and one of the largest at SHSU in recent years
- Executive Producer for a four-part series, Dateline Democracy, during the 2020 Presidential Election, in collaboration with the Priority One class led by former White House Press Secretary Peter Roussel
- Coordinated with high-profile guests, including David Hume Kennerly, Susan Page, Lesley Stahl, and Sam Donaldson, to discuss media influence on American democracy
- Managed all aspects of production to ensure seamless virtual events
Administrative Coordinator
College of Arts & Media, Sam Houston State University
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Coordinated financial operations, managing five departmental budgets and ten college office budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility
- Oversaw donor engagement and scholarship programs, increasing student access to financial aid opportunities
- Assisted with the implementation of the Banner ERP system, streamlining financial and administrative processes across multiple departments
Education
MBA - Management
Sam Houston State University
HuntsvilleBBA - Marketing
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TXSkills
- Strategic Planning and Operations
- Stakeholder & Government Relations
- Higher Education Administration
- Budget and Financial Oversight
- Marketing and Brand Strategy
- Public Relations and Communications
- Event Planning and Community Engagement
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Strategic partnerships
- Operations oversight
- Forward-Thinking Strategist
Community Leadership Experience
- Main Street Advisory Board (Public Official Appointment), City of Huntsville, TX, 08/2020-08/2024, Collaborated with city and public officials to develop and implement strategic initiatives that supported local businesses and economic development., Strengthened public-private partnerships, working with local business leaders, community stakeholders, and government entities to drive economic revitalization efforts., Engaged with community members, addressing concerns and advocating for projects that balance business growth with community needs.
- Historic Preservation Commission (Public Official Appointment), City of Huntsville, TX, 07/2017-08/2020, Evaluated and approved development proposals, ensuring compliance with local, state, and national historic preservation standards to maintain the integrity of Huntsville's architectural and cultural heritage., Advised city officials on preservation strategies, collaborating with urban planners, architects, and community leaders to balance historic conservation with sustainable development initiatives., Championed public awareness efforts, working with local stakeholders to secure funding, promote civic engagement, and encourage responsible stewardship of historic sites and districts.
- Walker County Area Go Texan Committee (Marketing & Fundraising Lead), Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, 08/2017-08/2023, Helped raise over $500,000 in scholarship funds to support Walker County youth, securing long-term financial commitments from corporate sponsors. Led the rebranding and marketing strategy for two major fundraising events increasing attendance and donor participation, attracted and retained high-profile local business sponsorships.
Professional Development
AMA Symposium for Marketing in Higher Education, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018
Accomplishments
Editor-in-Chief, CAM Magazine (2023 & 2024) – Winner of Two AMA Crystal Awards for Best Magazine.
SHSU Staff Excellence Award (2022) – Recognized for exceptional leadership and impact in university operations.
Texas Business Hall of Fame | SWBC Foundation Award (2018) – Honored for contributions to business and entrepreneurship.
Beta Gamma Sigma Lifetime Member – Top 5% of business program graduates.
Alpha Chi Lifetime Member – Top 10% of graduate students.
Websites
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Operations
College of Arts & Media, Sam Houston State University
01.2013 - Current
Administrative Coordinator
College of Arts & Media, Sam Houston State University
01.2011 - 01.2013
MBA - Management
Sam Houston State University
BBA - Marketing
Sam Houston State University
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