Reshell Ray, a longtime university administrator known for her dedication to student engagement and mentorship, died Feb. 10. She spent more than 35 years working at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she became a trusted presence for generations of students.
Ray served as associate director for programs and events in the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement on East Campus and led the Campus NightLife program. In that role, she worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students to plan events designed to foster connection and build community across campus.
Ray’s career in student programming began while she was a graduate student studying urban and regional planning at Nebraska. She was a member of the University Program Council, president of the Afrikan People’s Union and served on UPC’s American Racial Minority Council. Through that work, she helped bring nationally recognized Black leaders and entertainers to campus, including Shirley Chisholm, Margaret Avery and Dr. Dre.
After graduating, Ray was invited to return to the university as a programming specialist. She went on to serve in several offices during her career, remaining committed to student involvement and leadership development. She often said her love for students was the foundation of her work and credited that passion with motivating her to be a mentor and role model.
Students described Ray as someone they never forgot after meeting her. Kaitlyn Dozler, a summer 2024 master' degree graduate who worked under Ray throughout her undergraduate career, said Ray’s influence extended well beyond campus.
"Students meet Reshell once, and they never forget who she is, and she never forgets them," Dozler said.
Some of Ray’s most notable campus events included hosting comedian Larry the Cable Guy at Pinnacle Bank Arena for a Team Jack fundraiser in 2014 and organizing a free student carnival in 2019, both in collaboration with students.
Outside of her professional life, Ray was a mother of five and grandmother to 11. She was active in her Belmont neighborhood and often spoke of her desire to strengthen community connections and improve local quality of life. She credited her lifelong Christian faith, instilled by her parents, as central to her values and approach to life, emphasizing respect and dignity for all people.
Ray frequently drew inspiration from historical and contemporary Black leaders, including Harriet Tubman, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Ray is remembered by students and colleagues as a constant source of support, encouragement and care. Many students referred to her as their “college mom,” a title reflecting the personal investment she made in their lives and success.
Details regarding memorial services will be announced.
