06/04/2026
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Ray Chang has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Emergency Management Distinguished Practitioner-Scholar Award sponsored by the Department of Emergency Management & Public Administration at Jax State! The award was presented at the Emergency Management Higher Education Colloquium today as part of the conference program. Congratulations, Dr. Chang! 🎉👏
Dr. Chang is an Associate Professor of Disaster Science and Management and Program Chair, Master of Science in Emergency Services at the Department of Emergency, Disaster, and Global Security Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The award is a recognition of Dr. Chang's meaningful contributions to the integration of emergency management research and practice. Through his work as a practitioner, researcher, educator, and advisor, Dr. Chang has advanced disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, and organizational resilience across multiple sectors. His efforts to translate research into practical applications, coupled with his engagement in professional service and workforce development, have positively influenced both the academic and practitioner communities. Dr. Chang's career reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening the field of emergency management through evidence-based practice and collaborative leadership.