Jacqueline Gray, PhD, was awarded a Presidential Citation for groundbreaking scholarship with Native and rural communities, leadership of landmark programs and national organizations, mentoring of Native students and colleagues, and courageous advocacy efforts.
Research associate professor and associate director of indigenous programs at University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences' Center for Rural Health and Department of Pathology, Gray directs the Seven Generations Center of Excellence in Native Behavioral Health, National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative and Native Health Research Team. Of Choctaw and Cherokee descent, she has worked tirelessly with tribes throughout Indian Country. Her research has advanced our understanding of suicide prevention, rural veteran health services, spirituality and health, psychometrics, and wellness and nutrition. Gray has an impressive leadership career: past-president of the Society of Indian Psychologists, consultant for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Technical Assistance Center, and member of APA's Committee on Rural Health and the National Steering Committee on Health Disparities. Recipient of the Native Research Network’s Excellence in Training Award, she worked on Maori and Indigenous Suicide Prevention in New Zealand.