Florida College Awards Tenure to Communication Department Chair Zac McCray
April 9, 2026 | 3 min read
A tenure ceremony at Florida College stands as one of the most meaningful moments in the life of the institution, reflecting a deep respect and gratitude for the faculty who serve at the heart of its Christ-centered mission. While the college is strengthened by supportive families, dedicated staff, and students pursuing lives of faith and service, it is the faculty who stand on the front lines—educating, mentoring, and investing not only their knowledge but their lives into each student. The awarding of tenure marks a significant milestone in that work, recognizing a faculty member’s proven commitment to this mission and the college’s enduring commitment to them.
Today, Florida College honors communication department chair Zac McCray, whose tenure reflects a steadfast commitment to the college’s mission and to the academic formation of its students. Recognized for both scholarly contribution and dedicated service, McCray exemplifies the ideals of a faculty member deeply invested in his discipline, his students, and the broader life of the institution.
McCray’s connection to Florida College spans a lifetime. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication in 2015, he continued serving the college in various roles before earning a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa in 2018. He joined the faculty that same year and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication from Liberty University. His work has been marked by both innovation and leadership, including building the mass media specialization and developing the Bowman Media Studio, a state-of-the-art facility that serves students and departments across campus. In 2024, he was appointed Chair of the Department of Communication.
As an educator, McCray centers his teaching on storytelling as a foundational mode of communication. Drawing from film, literature, and digital media, he equips students to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the influence of narrative in shaping culture. His approach combines academic rigor with purposeful engagement, preparing students for meaningful work in communication-related fields.
His excellence in the classroom has been consistently recognized. McCray was named the Phillip Roberts Top-Rated Lecturing Professor for the 2021–2022 academic year and has received multiple Senior Legacy coins from graduating students—an honor that reflects the lasting impact of his teaching and mentorship. His course evaluations consistently rank among the highest on campus. Some of his previous students have said:
“He cares so deeply for his students and gives us projects we can apply to future careers and put in our portfolio.”
“This class helped me find my voice, work on my editing skills, and inspired me to want to write more.”
“Professor McCray was insanely engaging, witty, and generally fun, and that helped make learning more enjoyable.”
Beyond the classroom, McCray invests deeply in the lives of his students. Alongside his wife, Maria, he has opened his home to foster relationships that extend well beyond graduation. His collaborative work across disciplines—including Business, Kinesiology, English, and History—reflects both versatility and a commitment to strengthening the academic community. His expertise in media and digital technologies also supports initiatives across campus. In its unanimous recommendation for tenure, the Tenure and Promotion Committee affirmed what matters most: his genuine devotion to the Lord and his example of strong Christian character.
McCray speaks of his time at Florida College with humility and gratitude, valuing both his colleagues and the relationships he builds with students each semester. His connection to the college has spanned a lifetime—from his earliest days on campus to his roles as a student, employee, and now professor and department chair—each marked by consistent service and dedication.
The awarding of tenure recognizes not only what Zac McCray has accomplished, but who he has proven to be. His work reflects the mission of Florida College: to educate with excellence, to lead with faith, and to shape lives for service. His influence will continue to be felt in the lives of his students and the future of the institution for years to come.
