DR. C. VERNON GRAY

Political Scientist | Councilman | Professor

C. Vernon Gray, PhD, began his distinguished political career in Maryland at an earlier age than most. He began attending political rallies with his parents when he was five years old, according to the Washington Post. While Vernon’s parents’ formal education ended after sixth grade, they instilled a love of learning in their son.  There were no high schools for African American students in Calvert County during the era when his parents were school age.

Dr. Gray became an avid student of political science, earning a bachelors and Master’s degree in Political Science at Morgan State University and Atlanta University, respectively, followed by a Ph.D. in Government and Politics at the University of Massachusetts.  

After serving as Director of Research at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Dr. Gray returned to his alma mater in Maryland (Morgan State) as a political science professor and chaired the department for 14 years, retiring after 35 years as Professor Emeritus. He also served as a visiting professor at numerous colleges and universities, such as Goucher College, Howard University, and the University of Maryland, College Park. The professor’s reputation grew to the point that he was chosen to be a delegate for Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign in 1984. 

Two years earlier, Dr. Gray had become the first African-American to be elected to the Howard County Council, and in 1998, he was elected to an unprecedented fifth term and fourth term as Council Chairman. During his tenure, Dr. Gray was named President of the Maryland Association of Counties, achieving national recognition when he was elected to lead the National Association of Counties. In 1994, Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening tapped Gray to serve on his campaign and transition committee and later appointed him to the Judicial Nominating Commission.  

His public service continued in many ways. Dr. Gray once worked as the Administrator for the Howard County Office of Human Rights, under then County Executive Ken Ulman and made significant contributions to the community. In addition to lecturing and writing, he is a board member and founder of the First Tee of Howard County. First Tee is a national program that seeks to make golf accessible to teens and children who otherwise lack access and instill life and leadership skills while teaching them how to play.  He also founded the Healthy Families Initiative in Howard County.

The longtime Colombia resident (47 years) also sits on the board for Healthy Families of Howard County, a program that offers free support for first-time parents in the county, directing them to community resources and giving them support in their new role as parents. He also recently chaired the Committee on Citizens Services under former Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. 

Dr. Gray is a Lifetime Member of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and belongs to professional organizations such as the National Conference of Black Political Scientists and Pi Sigma Alpha, a political science honor society. Additionally, he is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternities (Boule). Dr. Gray has been married for over 50 years to Sandra Gray, a member of the Links, Incorporated, and they have two adult children and one grandson, William.