Macaluso and Ray Join RCOE Staff

Sarah Macaluso and Adam Ray have joined the Reich College of Education (RCOE) staff in the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC). 

Meet Sarah Macaluso

Macaluso joins as the administrative support specialist for ARRC, serving as the main point of contact for visitors to the ARRC offices. She oversees the management of purchasing and contracts and assists with the planning of events and professional development offerings. She is also the primary point of contact for post-award administrative activities. 

Macaluso is not new to App State. Prior to joining the RCOE, she was the administrative support associate for the Department of Communication and the College of Fine and Applied Arts at App State.

Macaluso earned a B.A. in philosophy and religion from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and an A.A. from Cape Fear Community College. 

Macaluso enjoys gardening, yoga, hiking, spending time with her children, connecting with others, and having meaningful conversations. 

Meet Adam Ray

Ray joins as the Deputy Director for the Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab. In this role, Ray oversees the day-to-day activities of the Rural Talent Lab, which is a grant-funded initiative led by ARRC. His responsibilities include working with co-PIs at other universities, as well as other project partners, to ensure the project remains on schedule. 

Ray is most excited about “having an opportunity to engage in critical conversations with institutional leaders at App State and beyond about the significance of rural populations in the U.S.”

Prior to joining the RCOE, Ray served as the associate director of employee engagement in the Center for Career and Professional Development at Western Carolina University (WCU). He also served as the assistant director of admissions in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at WCU.

Ray received his B.S. in social science education, B.A. in history, and M.Ed. in higher education student affairs from WCU. He received his Ed.S. in higher education from App State, and he is currently completing his Ed.D. in educational leadership from App State.

Ray enjoys running, playing soccer, and spending time with his cat, Cricket.

Sarah Macaluso and Adam Ray
Published: Apr 29, 2025 2:52pm

Tags: