Back to Class: Civility, Ethical Leadership, and Character Development

Executive director Scott Raecker will share about The Robert D. & Billie Ray Center and the center’s mission to enhance civility through ethical leadership and character development, as well as the services that are now provided globally from early childhood to the corporate, community and public service arena.

Scott Raecker serves as Executive Director of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University – a position he has held since the work of the center was founded by former Governor Robert D. Ray as a lasting legacy to the Iowa Sesquicentennial in 1997.

The Ray Center has a mission to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. From the preschool environment to the corporate boardroom, The Ray Center works to transform lives and strengthen communities by equipping individuals and communities to embrace and practice good character resulting in a positive environment of civility and principled decision-making.

The Ray Center has outreach to over 8 million youth as the global resource for the CHARACTER COUNTS! and Pursuing Victory With Honor initiatives that were founded by Michael Josephson and the Josephson Institute of Ethics where Scott has previously served as both Chairman of the Board and CEO. The Ray Center is also a national consortium partner with the Excellence With Integrity Institute.

Scott’s commitment to positively impact the lives of others was also reflected in his 14 years of public service as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from 1999 through 2012. In the legislature, Scott served in numerous leadership roles including chair of the House Appropriations Committee, chair of the Ethics Committee, and chair of the Midwest Council of Government’s Legislative Leadership Institute.

Scott is involved in numerous civic volunteer efforts. Scott serves as a board member of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Drake University School of Education National Advisory Board, Board Member Emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution Center for Folk Life and Cultural Studies, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Advisory Board, and the Shining City Foundation. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Urbandale Chambers of Commerce.

Scott is a graduate of Grinnell College where he received his B.A. in Political Science and Religious Studies. Scott is certified as a character development specialist and corporate ethics trainer through the Josephson Institute of Ethics and has recently been featured as a keynote speaker on ethics and civility to state legislatures across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Scott and his wife, Martha, live in Urbandale and have two adult children, Emily and Max.

When: Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm CT
Platform: Zoom 

Access Information  
Session Link: https://drake-edu.zoom.us/j/89295292903?pwd=L1NwY2dJc2dodjlnVlpBb0dEOTBPZz09#success
Meeting ID: 810 6685 9838
Passcode: 119927

About the Program: Back to Class features speakers from Drake's campus in a virtual setting. Bulldogs are invited to join from wherever they are to learn about unique topics, hear from voices on campus, and connect with the Drake community.

For event accommodations or questions, please contact Amelia Klatt at amelia.klatt@drake.edu or 515-271-3378.

Registration