Ray McCandless, Ph. D., (Eta Mu/Findlay 1981) will be one of six to be honored at the University of Findlay’s annual Homecoming Weekend Alumni Association breakfast on Oct. 17, 2015. McCandless is to receive the 2015 Arch Award, an award that honors an individual who has exhibited the highest standard of individual achievement in their professional and personal endeavors, who has supported the University for at least 25 years of employment and did not graduate from The University of Findlay.
McCandless has served The University of Findlay for more than 30 years in a variety of roles. He has served as the chief information officer for the University since 2012, and is responsible for leading all information technology strategy, infrastructure and services for the entire University.
In 1980, while finishing his doctorate at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, McCandless began as an instructor of political science and public administration at Findlay College. In 1982 he became an assistant professor, and in 1992, he became a professor of political science and public administration.
McCandless also served as the director for Academic Technology Services and the Center for Teaching Excellence from 2004-2012. In 2008, he became the chairperson for the department of justice sciences and supervised major revisions to the criminal justice program curriculum and maintained consistency through a time of change.
Dr. McCandless has also served on numerous committees during his time at The University of Findlay to include the faculty senate, international relations council, faculty affairs, and the physical plant strategic planning committee. He chaired the faculty development committee, acted as liaison and advisor for many academic offices, student clubs and Theta Chi Fraternity. For these things, The University of Findlay recognizes Dr. McCandless for his distinguished career as an educator, his commitment to students, and his dedication to the institution.