Archived News | Return to News Center

November 2, 2006

Professor joins renowned therapists in France

It’s a good thing Wendel Ray, professor in Marriage and Family Therapy, likes to travel. For several years, he has been traveling the world, presenting his research about the System Theory, which focuses on human behavior. His next appearance is in Paris, where he will join some of the most influential family therapists in Europe.

On Nov. 18 and 19, Ray and recent ULM Ph.D graduate Molly Govener will be the keynote speakers at a conference at the University of Sorbonne in Paris, France. Their presentation is entitled, “Being Cybernetic - We are all Legacies of Gregory Bateson's Research Team."

Ray, a Senior Research Associate at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, Calif., has worked at ULM since 1990. His frequent trips around the world give him great material for the classroom. Two weeks ago, he was the guest lecturer at Alliant University's Mexico City Campus in Mexico City.

“I enjoy visiting different cultures. I love interacting with people who understand and take system theory seriously. Over the years, I have made many friendships with people living all over the map and it is enjoyable seeing them, working with families and teaching,” he said.

In April 2007, Ray will present his research at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington D.C. In Novemer 2007, he will be the keynote speaker at the third meeting of the European Association for Systemic and Strategic Therapy in Arizzo, Italy. In December 2007, Ray will present "The Practice of Interaction Focused Therapy" at the 10th meeting of the Milton Erickson Foundation Conference in Phoenix, Ariz."

Ray, who has published numerous articles and books, is a licensed clinical social worker and a marriage and family therapist. He is the former director of the Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto, Calif. (2000-2004). He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice and MSW in clinical social work at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, in 1981 and 1983 respectively. He earned his Ph.D in System Theory applied in behavioral science at Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1989.

PLEASE NOTE: Some links and e-mail addresses in these archived news stories may no longer work, and some content may include events which are no longer relevent, or reference individuals and/or organizations no longer associated with ULM.