College of Education and Center for Play Therapy Director, Dr. Dee Ray, has been named UNT Regents Professor for her contributions to research and service in the field of counseling at the national and international levels and for her work in advancing the college’s initiatives in teaching and service. 

A Regents Professor Award provides recognition to faculty who have performed outstanding teaching, research, and service to the profession, and who have achieved a prominent level of national and international recognition. 

Dr. Ray’s research focuses on the process and effectiveness of play therapy, disseminating play therapy literature from across the world, and facilitating play therapy services for children, parents, and systemic partners. 

This award means a great deal to Dr. Ray to be recognized for her challenging work through research and teaching. Her commitment to UNT over the past 20 years has not gone unnoticed. During her tenure at UNT, she has served in many roles that have contributed to her success. She has been recognized as a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Elaine Millikan Mathes Professor in Early Childhood Education endowed chair, among other teaching and research designations. Dr. Ray has authored over 145 publications on the practice and effectiveness of play therapy and chaired 52 dissertations for UNT doctoral students. 

She is thankful for the support UNT has provided over the past 20 years in her career and to the community. Dr. Ray says the most rewarding part of her career is watching her students go out into the world and accomplish remarkable things throughout their careers.