Tolar Ray is a Marketing Communications Specialist at NC State University, where he supports video production and social media strategy for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science, two of the university’s largest and most research-active academic units.

Since 2024, Ray has developed digital content that showcases student achievement, faculty research and industry engagement. He contributes to content strategy and storytelling efforts across both departments and the College of Engineering.

Prior to his current role, Ray served as Director of Creative Video for Elon University Athletics, where he oversaw video production for 16 NCAA Division I programs. At Elon, he built and mentored a team of student video producers and led visual content strategy across digital platforms. He has also produced freelance campaigns for clients including H&M, Macy’s, COACH, Crabtree Valley Mall and the NCAA.

Ray has contributed to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations such as Carolina Crown and Montreat Conference Center, producing multimedia content and supporting strategic communications.

A North Carolina native, Ray earned his bachelor’s degree in communication media from NC State with minors in journalism and English. He is currently pursuing an MBA through the Jenkins MBA program in the Poole College of Management.

His work helps higher education institutions, businesses and nonprofits communicate their impact with clarity and purpose. His professional interests include brand strategy, content systems and scalable storytelling.