Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray has been named to the Memphis Business Journal (MBJ) Power 100 list for the third consecutive year. The publication highlights the most influential leaders in the past year across the Bluff City. 

 In the last year under Dr. Ray's leadership, the District has committed to reimagining education, schools, and communities through the vision of Reimagining 901. Last month, School Board members approved his plan to rebrand the District as Memphis-Shelby County Schools to better reflect the geographic location and the families we serve.

 “To be recognized amongst influential figures in our community is an honor,” said Dr. Ray. “My commitment to invest in the future of Memphis/Shelby County is unwavering. I’m determined to sustain a culture of inclusion and equity as the District works to reimagine education, schools and communities.”

Dr. Ray’s courageous leadership of MSCS from a District of Intervention to one of Innovation has been recognized both nationally and locally. In the past year Dr. Ray has received the following honors:

• Named a 2021 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association
• Featured in Joint AASA/Corwin Publication: Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration
• 2021 WLOK Courage in Politics Award
• 2021 Distinguished Educator Award from the Tennessee Education Association
• 2021 YMCA of Memphis Red Triangle Award
• 2020 Green-Garner Superintendent of the Year Award Finalist

With more than 100,000 students in over 200 schools, Dr. Ray leads the largest school district in Tennessee, the second largest employer in Shelby County, and one of the 25 largest public school districts in the nation operating with a fiscal budget of nearly $1.5 billion annually.