Before M. Ray McKinnie, Ph.D. was Cooperative Extension administrator and associate dean for facilities and special initiatives in the CAES, he was a student in the animal sciences program 1973-76. 

“When I came to A&T, my goal was to go on to vet school,” he said. “I wasn’t necessarily the top student, but I was a good student who was committed and interested.” 

McKinnie’s commitment was rewarded his senior year, when Ralston Purina awarded him a $700 scholarship. That gift was more than a financial boost; it was a morale boost as well. 

“I’ll never forget the positive impact it made on me,” he said. 

Now dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University, McKinnie has paid that impact forward by donating funds for a scholarship in the CAES animal sciences program. The M. Ray McKinnie Scholarship will award $1,200 each year for five years to a deserving undergraduate animal sciences student with a 2.8 GPA or higher.  

“I envision this award going to students like myself – committed, interested and with sustained academic performance,” he said. “There are many strong students who fit that description.” 

After earning his undergraduate degree in animal science at N.C. A&T, McKinnie took advantage of a graduate assistantship to earn his master’s in animal science with a concentration in reproductive physiology from The Ohio State University. He was drawn back to North Carolina and his Goldsboro home by the opportunity to work for North Carolina Cooperative Extension as an “agent at large” in Wayne County. 

“I knew our agent growing up, and it seemed like the coolest, most unique job,” McKinnie said. 

After earning his doctorate from NC State University, he came back to A&T, assuming progressive  program leadership roles within the Cooperative Extension Program and the college. He became interim associate director for agricultural research, Cooperative Extension administrator and associate dean for facilities and special initiatives, a post he left in 2015 to join the faculty of Virginia State as assistant administrator of Extension programs. He became dean and 1890 Extension Administrator of the College of Agriculture there in 2016. 

“I have tremendous loyalty and commitment to the CAES and to the Department of Animal Sciences,” he said. “I wanted to chime in and assist, where I can, to provide opportunities for students to fulfill their dreams.” 

For more information or to make a gift to the CAES, contact P. Kevin Williamson in the Office of Advancement at pkwilliamson@ncat.edu.