San Antonio – The Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees confirmed Thursday that Gloria Ray, the board’s vice chair representing District 2, has submitted her resignation, effective Oct. 25. Ray, a veteran public‑service leader who retired after 27 years at Kelly Air Force Base, first won election to the board in November 2020 and was slated to serve through 2028.
Ray’s service and impact
Board Chair Joe Alderete, Jr. praised Ray’s “dedication to the power of education” and her “lasting difference” for students across the district. Chancellor Mike Flores added that Ray has been “a champion for our students and a dedicated supporter of our mission,” noting her role in expanding resources to underserved neighborhoods.
During Ray’s tenure, Alamo Colleges grew from serving roughly 68,000 students to surpassing the 100,000‑student mark this fall, a milestone for the five‑college system that includes San Antonio College, St. Philip’s College, Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, and Northeast Lakeview College.
Background and community involvement
Before joining the board, Ray led a division at Kelly Air Force Base with a $1.7 billion budget and a 2,500‑person workforce. After retirement, she devoted herself to volunteer work, serving as Fiesta San Antonio Commission President in 2021, chairing the Martin Luther King Jr. March and Commission, and heading the Citizen’s Advisory Committee that oversaw capital‑improvement projects for the district.
On the board, Ray was known for asking tough questions, challenging officials on equity issues, and advocating for expanded resources in underserved areas of East and Northeast San Antonio.
Next steps for District 2
The board will convene a special meeting on Nov. 10 to formally accept Ray’s resignation and to begin the process of selecting an interim trustee for District 2. The district has indicated that the appointment will follow its established procedures for filling board vacancies.
Community leaders and residents have expressed gratitude for Ray’s decades of public service and her continued commitment to education in San Antonio. While the specific reason for her departure was not disclosed, the board’s statements underscore a focus on continuity and the ongoing mission to serve the district’s growing student body.
About Alamo Colleges
Alamo Colleges is the nation’s largest community‑college system, offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce‑training programs. The district’s five colleges serve a diverse population across Bexar County and surrounding areas, providing pathways to higher education and skilled‑trade careers.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
