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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s very own alumna Kimberly Gray (‘94), a rising star in the grocery retail sector, has recently been hired as Chief Merchant at Schnucks. Gray brings more than 20 years of leadership and experience to the retail powerhouse. She has already begun leading efforts to improve customer experience.

Gray’s career began when she graduated from SIUE in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management. She has held leadership positions at major companies such as Union Pacific Railroad, Food Lion, Hannaford Supermarkets, and Ahold Delhaize USA.  Her experience working at these companies has earned her recognition as a leader in the merchandising industry.

When asked about her ascension throughout her career she gave high praise to SIUE’s organizational development courses. “At SIUE, I learned how to build high-performing teams, not just how to manage them,” she said. “That was what set me apart as I climbed the ranks in my career. I wasn’t just focused on hitting targets; I was equally invested in the people who helped us get there.” 

Gray also commented on the impact that SIUE’s Student Leadership program had on her career. “The Student Leadership Program at SIUE was a game-changer for me,” she said. “It wasn’t just about learning how to manage a team; it was about learning how to lead with confidence, empathy, and strategic vision. The experiences I had through that program gave me the tools to step into leadership roles with a clear sense of purpose. To this day, those lessons continue to guide my approach to decision-making and team-building at Schnucks.”

When diving deeper into what inspired her journey, Gray paid homage to Coral Rice, a former instructor at SIUE.  Rice, who taught courses in organizational development, left a lasting impression on Gray by offering guidance and even writing a letter of recommendation for her after graduation.  “Ms. Rice was one of the first people to really see something in me that I hadn’t fully realized myself,” Gray reflects. “She encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me see that I had the skills to be a leader. That belief in me made all the difference and has stuck with me throughout my career.”

One piece of advice Gray offers to current students at SIUE is to prioritize leadership development early on. "It's not enough just to be great at your job. You need to be great at leading people, too," she advised. "That’s something that can be developed throughout your career, but the earlier you start, the better. Seek out feedback, ask for mentorship, and be proactive in your own development.”

For Gray, the journey from SIUE to Schnucks is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and constant self-improvement. “I’m proud of my roots at SIUE,” she said. “It’s where I learned to balance the art of leadership with the science of business. It set me up for success, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.”

A note to our readers: Schnucks is a proud member of the Cougars Community Champions, an initiative for companies that invest in mutually beneficial partnerships with SIUE Athletics.

“The continued success and growth of SIUE Athletics would not be possible without the support of our business partners,” said Andrew Gavin, Director of Athletics. “We’re grateful for Schnucks for becoming a Cougars Community Champion. They were excited not only to support the Cougars, but also how we could help elevate their brand and visibility on our campus and throughout the Metro East!”

PHOTO:   Kimberly Gray ('94), Chief Merchant at Schnucks