Dr. Warren K. Wray, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at Missouri University of Science and Technology, is one of 37 eminent geotechnical engineers recently selected for a new professional recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Academy of Geo-Professionals.

Wray received the Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering (D. GE.) credential from the Academy of Geo-Professionals, an ASCE affiliate. The new recognition grade was created in 2008.

Diplomate status recognizes academy members’ advanced expertise in geotechnical engineering, commitment to ethical conduct, and demonstrated lifelong learning and continuing professional development. During his academic career, Wray has led or co-led more than 20 geotechnical and transportation engineering research projects.

The diplomate status was conferred on Wray during a March 18 induction ceremony at the International Foundation Congress & Equipment Expo in Orlando, Fla.

“It is quite an honor to be selected as a member of the inaugural class of the diplomates,” said Wray. “There are some true geotechnical engineering icons among the inductees. I’m honored to be included in this group.”

The Geo-Institute of the ASCE has more than 11,000 geotechnical engineering members.

Wray joined Missouri S&T in August 2006 as provost. Previously, he served as provost at Michigan Technological University from 2000-2005 and as dean of Ohio University’s Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology from 1996-2000. He also served as Ohio University’s Cruse Moss Professor of Engineering Education was professor and chair of civil engineering at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, from 1990-1996. He joined Texas Tech’s civil engineering faculty in 1978.

Wray received his bachelor of science degree in physics with a history minor from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., in 1967 and a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University in 1968. He earned a master of science degree in civil engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1974 and a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 1978.

Wray served in the Air Force from 1968-1976 and the Air Force Reserves from 1976-1990. He retired from the reserves with the rank of lieutenant colonel.