Kellogg Community College alum Evan Gray, 34, of Kalamazoo, graduated from KCC with an Associate in Arts degree in 2010, then went on to play baseball and study sports management at Davenport University before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 2020.
Gray, a 2008 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, is also a KCC baseball alum, and today is the owner of Grays On Deck LLC, which provides opportunities for kids to get involved in baseball, including through various youth camps hosted on campus.
Why did you choose your major/area of study?
I knew I would be transferring to a four-year school for baseball for the two years I spent at KCC. I chose to focus on my general studies in Associate of Arts that aligned with my major of sports/business management.
Why did you choose to study your major specifically at KCC?
The Associate of Arts was a great experience for me as the tuition was affordable. I was also able to save money by staying at home with my parents so I could focus on school, baseball and my part-time job at MC Sports.
What are you doing now, and how did KCC help you on your path?
I’ve been a full-time driver for UPS since 2013, the owner of Grays On Deck LLC since 2021, and am a head softball coach for HangTuf 16U Fastpitch out of Lansing.
KCC helped me on my path of life in many ways through various workshops, extracurricular activities and internships. KCC helped me as a student by developing essential soft skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving that are crucial in the workplace.
What was your favorite part of your time at KCC, and why?
My favorite part of my time at KCC was having the ability to still see my close friends and family. I had the privilege of pursuing my dreams of playing college baseball while studying my general studies towards a four-year university. Not to mention the home-cooked meals were a bonus (thanks mom).
What’s the most interesting thing you learned at KCC?
The most interesting thing I learned at KCC was being a part of the Habitat for Humanity program through the baseball team. HFH is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. This experience played a crucial role in strong and stable communities. I was able to physically work on a resident’s home by repairing her roof with my fellow teammates. This was interesting to me as an 18-year-old to see how much of a relief HFH was able to provide families in our community.
What advice do you have for current or future KCC students?
My advice to current or future KCC students would be to explore your options after high school, including a trade school, focusing on a two-year degree first to allow yourself time to develop and see what career path fits for you. I would also suggest saving money by investing in Roth or other forms of assets. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals along your path to help you accomplish your dreams.
Learn more about Grays On Deck at graysondeck.com.
This Q&A first appeared in the March 2025 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.