A Lasting Gift of Learning from Gibson and Mary Anna Gray
For Gibson and Mary Anna Gray, education was more than a value; it was a way of lifting others. Their belief in opportunity and service guided their lives, and now that legacy continues at UNC Pembroke. The couple鈥檚 $1.25M estate gift to date establishes the Gibson and Mary Anna Gray Endowed Scholarship, providing need-based support for generations of students.
The new endowment stands as a powerful reflection of the Grays鈥� lifelong dedication to learning, opportunity and community service.
Dr. Gordon Gibson Gray, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, earned degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Columbia University before joining UNC Pembroke鈥檚 political science faculty in 1971. During his 19 years on campus, he became known not only for his deep knowledge of public administration and citizenship, but for the way he invested in his students as individuals.
Beyond the classroom, he was an active member of the Lumberton Lions Club for more than 30 years, earning its highest honor, the Jack Stickley Fellow Award. Dr. Gray passed away in 2020 at age 97.
His wife, Mary Anna Gray, a native of Robeson County and alumna of Flora MacDonald College, shared her husband鈥檚 civic and landholding interests and was widely known for her devotion to family and community. She passed away in 2024 at age 85.
For former student Elizabeth Wilkerson 鈥�88, Dr. Gray鈥檚 influence continues to resonate. 鈥淒r. Gray taught many of my public administration classes, and his knowledge and experience were so important to my education,鈥� said Wilkerson, executive director of UNCP鈥檚 . 鈥淗e tied our lessons to real-world experiences and made learning engaging. The classes were small and personable, and he knew each of us by name.鈥�
She remembers him as approachable, kind and always willing to listen.
鈥淓ven after I graduated, he remembered me and took time to ask about my career,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat kindness always stood out.鈥�
Vice Chancellor for Advancement Anita Stallings said the Grays鈥� generosity will make a profound difference.
鈥淭he Grays鈥� foresight and generosity have created a lasting source of support for UNC Pembroke students,鈥� Stallings said. 鈥淭heir endowed scholarship will grow in perpetuity, extending the impact of their lives and values for generations to come.鈥�
The Gibson and Mary Anna Gray Endowed Scholarship reflects the couple鈥檚 lifelong dedication to education and service, ensuring their influence continues to open doors of opportunity for future Braves.
If you鈥檙e inspired by the Grays鈥� commitment to student opportunity and want to learn how your planned gift can make a lasting difference, visit or call 910.775.4661 .