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Celebrating Susan Ray-Degges: A Beacon of Inclusive Design

In a significant acknowledgment by The Inner Circle, Susan Ray-Degges has been recognized as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Dr. Ray-Degges has made remarkable contributions to the fields of design and education, focusing on building inclusivity and accessibility within these disciplines.

Nurturing Future Designers at North Dakota State University

Dr. Ray-Degges serves as a professor in the interior design program at North Dakota State University. In this role, she mentors the next generation of design professionals, instilling in them the principles of ethical practice, accessibility, and social responsibility. Her teaching methodology seamlessly combines creativity with the awareness of diverse needs, ensuring that her students are equipped to tackle real-world challenges in their careers.

Bridging Creativity and Social Responsibility

Through her extensive teaching, research, and leadership activities, she has played a paramount role in enhancing the perception and value of interior design as a discipline that meshes creativity with social impact. Dr. Ray-Degges' influence reaches far beyond academic settings. She actively engages with the community through public outreach and professional mentorship, advocating for design standards that cater to a wide range of populations, including elderly individuals and people with disabilities.

A Solid Academic Foundation

Dr. Ray-Degges holds a Ph.D. in human environmental sciences, specializing in environmental design and gerontology. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in home economics (with a focus on housing and interior design and art) from Missouri State University, followed by a Master of Science in housing and interior design from the University of Missouri. She is certified by various professional boards and is a licensed interior designer in Minnesota.

Leadership and Recognition

In her role as the national president of the Interior Design Educators Council, she has driven forward education in design, enhancing outreach and education efforts for students and fellow educators. Her dedication to professional excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including being named 'Interior Design Most Admired Educator' by Design Intelligence.

Her impact on the industry is profound; she champions professional licensing standards in Minnesota and promotes a broader understanding of the critical role that interior design plays in daily life. Whether mentoring upcoming designers, engaging in research, or providing consultations on accessible design, Dr. Ray-Degges is deeply committed to ensuring that everyone has access to functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Beyond Academia

Outside her professional life, Dr. Ray-Degges connects with people through shared interests, often exploring museums, the great outdoors, and antiquing. These experiences enrich her as an educator and designer, providing her with broader insights to share with her students.

Looking Ahead

With a clear vision for the future, Susan Ray-Degges aims to establish inclusive design practices that will be universally acknowledged and implemented. Her passion, purpose, and dedication place her at the forefront of this essential movement, ensuring that design is accessible and beneficial to all.

In sum, her remarkable journey encapsulates the spirit of innovation and inclusivity, setting a gold standard for future generations of designers. Susan Ray-Degges stands as a testament to the power of design as a tool for positive societal impact, embodying the belief that good design is meant to serve everyone. As she leads this movement, the design community and the public alike eagerly anticipate the strides she will continue to make in the field of inclusive design.