Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Ray Logan Graham (July 1, 1934-December 1, 2000) was born to Mr. and Mrs. George L. Graham in Plainview, Texas. He received his B.S. degree in mathematics from West Texas State University in 1956. He went on to earn an M.A.T. degree in mathematics education (1960) and a Ph.D. degree in mathematics (1968) from New Mexico State University. Graham was first married to Laura Graham and the couple had three sons, Kelly (June 6,1957-), Kyle (October 29, 1959-), and Kent (June 16, 1966-), and one daughter, Kara (July 6, 1962-April 8, 1965). At the time of his death, he was married to Mary Daye Graham. Graham spent two and one-half years as a mathematician at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where he also wrote several technical papers on missile flight simulation. He taught high school mathematics in New Mexico and was an instructor at Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas, (1959-62) and New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, (1962-63) before joining Appalachian State University as an assistant professor of mathematics in 1963. He was promoted to associate professor in 1968 and to professor in 1971. While at Appalachian State, Dr. Graham served as chair of the mathematics department and was involved with the 111 Program for the 1971-72 academic year. He did extensive work with Appalachian's mathematics lab. Graham worked for several years on the departmental honors program, developing a course of enrichment studies in mathematics for honors students. In addition to being a freshman advisor, he also worked with Upward-Bound students. Dr. Graham received a teacher-trainer grant in 1972 and, in 1989, received a grant from the National Science Foundation to teach calculus on computer. Graham also participated in a project to teach college-level calculus to high school seniors in Wilkes County. On leave from Appalachian State, Graham spent one year as a research associate for the Center for Research of College Instruction in Science and Mathematics at Florida State University and one year as director of Educational Systems Development at Drexel University. Graham's service to the university included membership in the Faculty Senate, the Council on Computer Usage, the Council of Arts and Sciences, the University Career Planning and Employment Advisory Council, the Academic Policies and Procedures Committee, and the Council on Teacher Education. Dr. Graham was affiliated with the following professional societies: the Mathematical Association of America, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Education Association, and the American Men of Science. Upon receiving notification of Dr. Graham's intention to retire, a friend and colleague wrote to him in part: "I know of so many instances in our community when you have given of yourself-time, money, and other possessions-when people have needed you. As a faculty member for the thirty-two years you have been associated with Appalachian [State |, you have been a truly outstanding teacher, server, and scholar." Dr. Graham retired from the university in June 1995. He was awarded emeritus status by the Board of Trustees in December of that year. Sources: Appalachian State University files. -Lynn K. Hulcher
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