M. Ray McKinnie, administrator for cooperative extension and associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University, received the George Washington Carver Award and was inducted into the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame at Tuskegee University in Alabama.
Presented by Tuskegee and the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, the award recognizes exceptional leadership and impact in agricultural outreach, education, and rural development.
Dr. McKinnie has worked as an educator and agricultural extension specialist for more than 40 years. He began his current position at North Carolina A&T State University in January 2023. His appointment marked a return to the HBCU, where he previously worked in agricultural extension during the 1980s. Prior to his current role, Dr. McKinnie was dean of the College of Agriculture and a cooperative extension administrator at historically Black Virginia State University.
“This is an honor that goes far beyond recognition,” said Dr. McKinnie. “Just to be mentioned or aligned in any way with one of the greatest agricultural scientists of all time is absolutely amazing. I share his beliefs, work ideals, and philosophy of ‘being the greatest good to the greatest number.’ This award validates much of what I’ve strived for over the years and tells me I’ve gone about my work in the right way.”
Dr. McKinnie holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University, a master’s degree from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University
