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Victor Hugo Bray, MSC, PhD, FNAP, joined Salus as dean of the University’s Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) and associate professor in 2009, paving the way for his most recent accomplishment – a 2020 Presidential Medal of Honor.
Described by his Alma Mater University of Texas at Austin as an “audiology innovator and educator,” Dr. Bray’s leadership as dean of Salus OCA through 2016 helped solidify the University’s Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program, delivering the vision of George Osborne, PhD, DDS, founding dean of the College. Dr. Bray also helped launch the University's second-generation online AuD Bridge Program, with a focus on international students, including the new Hands On Workshops (HOW) that have been hosted on campus and internationally. Along with the establishment of three online graduate certificate specialization programs for working audiologists – worldwide – which are very unique in the profession’s educational offerings, Dr. Bray was also instrumental in laying the foundation for the online Master of Clinical Science degree in AuD, focusing on international students. Founder of the Audiology Academy within the National Academies of Practice and Audiology, Dr. Bray’s work brought recognition and honor to the University and Salus OCA.
“I am thankful for the University's and president's recognition of my work and contributions,” Dr. Bray said. “It's been an interesting audiology path from clinical care to clinical trials research to new product development to senior management in the hearing aid industry and then to academic administration and faculty.”
Throughout his time at Salus, Dr. Bray has held a few positions, including educator and leadership roles such as interim director of the University’s Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) in conjunction with his role as dean. Recommendations written by the professor’s colleagues called his career “prestigious” and “philanthropic,” noting how much Dr. Bray has given back to Salus OCA through gifts and endowment awards. Jiovanne Hughart, AuD, MBA, FAAA, Salus OCA adjunct professor, considers the award a testament to Dr. Bray’s impact on the healthcare profession.
“Dr. Bray has dedicated his entire career with passion for the profession of audiology and is renowned nationally through his research, publications and academics,” Dr. Hughart said. “He represents all the accomplishments, qualities and characteristics of a recipient of this prestigious Presidential Medal.”
According to a nomination written by Jonette B. Owen, AuD ‘03, Salus OCA assistant dean, Dr. Bray’s work mirrors his belief in serving other people – first.
“Dr. Bray’s dedication to the profession is grounded in the sustainability of the future of audiology for students and professionals,” Dr. Owen said. “Since at Salus University, Dr. Bray established an endowed clinical excellence award in 2015. The recipient is the fourth-year student exhibiting the highest level of clinical knowledge and skills during their externship. Dr. Bray’s philanthropic work depicts his belief in service to others before self.”
Dr. Bray is grateful for the recognition and, among all the impactful roles he plays at Salus, he holds helping others through audiology the highest.
“This career has been built on the principle to always do the right thing and on the belief that one person can make a difference,” Dr. Bray said. “I am looking forward to a continued partnership with Salus in my current roles of teaching, scholarship and service."
