Grace Ernestine Ray Collection

Grace E. Ray joined the University of Oklahoma faculty in 1920 as a professor of Journalism. She received her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Oklahoma. She was the editor of the Sooner State Press; secretary and treasurer of both the Phi Beta Kappa and the Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association, and was also a sponsor of Theta Sigma Phi and a member of the Cleveland County Bird Club, as well as a dedicated horsewoman. In researching for her books, magazines and newspaper articles Ray traveled to Europe, Canada, Mexico and across the United States. She freelanced for such newspapers as the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and many popular magazines. During the summers of 1952, 1953, and 1954 Ray interned on the New York World Telegram and Sun. Ray published two books, entitled Early Oklahoma Newspapers and Wily Women of the West. She was working on a new book, You Hobnob with Horses, at the time of her death. Ray retired from teaching in June 1970, after 50 years of service. At the time two scholarships, one named for her mother Geneva, were established in Ray's honor.