With a career shaped by vision, creativity and a passion for education, Susan Ray-Degges has made a lasting mark on the field of interior design through teaching, research and professional leadership. As a professor in the interior design program at North Dakota State University, she brings a deep understanding of both theoretical and applied design, preparing students to become thoughtful, ethical and innovative practitioners. Her work extends beyond the classroom into community engagement and public education, where she translates complex design principles into accessible, real-world solutions. Her dedication to student mentorship and inclusive design has helped foster a new generation of professionals who understand how spaces affect human behavior, dignity and well-being.
Dr. Ray-Degges built her career on a solid academic foundation rooted in the human dimensions of environmental design. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in human environmental sciences with a specialization in environmental design and gerontology from the University of Missouri. She also holds a Master of Science in housing and interior design from the same institution, where she focused on designing spaces that support the needs of individuals with disabilities and older adults. Her academic path began with a Bachelor of Science in home economics with a concentration in housing and interior design and a minor in art from Missouri State University. Her career has been marked by a number of accolades, including being named Interior Design Most Admired Educator by Design Intelligence. Her research and academic contributions have earned her multiple awards, reflecting both the depth and impact of her scholarship.
Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Ray-Degges has held a range of teaching roles across institutions. Before assuming her professorship at North Dakota State University, she served as an associate professor and earlier as an assistant professor at the same institution. Her early academic appointments included positions at the University of Central Arkansas and part-time faculty roles at Southwest Missouri State University. She also served as a graduate teaching assistant in environmental design at the University of Missouri. These roles allowed her to develop a broad perspective on design education and a commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Ray-Degges holds professional certifications that underscore her dedication to upholding industry standards. She has been certified by the Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design, and by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. In addition, she is a certified interior designer in Minnesota. Her contributions to the profession have been recognized through her fellowships with the American Society of Interior Designers and the Interior Design Educators Council. She was also national president of the Interior Design Educators Council, advancing design education nationwide.
Outside her professional work, Dr. Ray-Degges enjoys exploring the outdoors, browsing antique shops, visiting museums and connecting with others through shared stories and experiences. She remains passionate about mentoring students and faculty, expanding outreach to high school educators and advocating for professional licensing standards in her state. She envisions a future in which interior design is more widely understood as a discipline that merges creativity with social responsibility, and she continues to work toward that goal with energy and purpose.