About Our Founder

The Institute for Studies in Practical Spirituality, Inc.

The purpose of the Institute for Studies in Practical Spirituality, Inc. is to foster humankind’s peaceful evolution and spiritual unfoldment.

The mission of the Institute for Studies in Practical Spirituality, Inc. is to provide systematic learning opportunities—in the New Thought tradition—that inspire, deepen, and strengthen both intuitive knowledge and spiritual understanding in pragmatic, demonstrable ways.

The vision of The Institute for Studies in Practical Spirituality, Inc. is to be a preeminent forum for the exchange of ideas relative to humankind’s advancement through the study of universal life principles.

“I AM a unique, individualized expression of God. As such, I am here to unfold into the greatness of Divine Mind, which finds expression in and through me. Therefore, I lovingly embrace who I AM.” (Raymond E. Cain, Jr.)

Our founder is Raymond Ervin Cain, Jr., Ph.D., a native of Trenton, New Jersey. Raymond has been in ministry for 48 years and was first ordained at the New Jersey Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (A.M.E. Zion) Church on May 19, 1985. Prior to his ordination, he served as an Exhorter, a Local Preacher, a Traveling Preacher, and a Conference Evangelist. He later left “Zion” and became affiliated with the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana, where he was licensed as a minister.

After many years of church-jumping and disenchantment, he finally landed at the Universal Truth Center in Miami Gardens, Florida—a Universal Foundation for Better Living (UFBL) member church. This was his first formal experience with New Thought, even though his studies had unknowingly tugged him in this direction for many years. Under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Mary A. Tumpkin, Cain would forge a new life for himself, finally getting answers to the many questions he had regarding his faith.

Dr. Cain asserts, nonetheless, that in his travels from city to city and church to church, every move would benefit him. The lessons he learned were invaluable and moved him closer and closer to realizing the promise of an abundant life. So, he persevered! He never gave up on God but respected each city and each church as a classroom. Each move, therefore, was a promotion to the next grade. After moving from Florida to Georgia, he found himself at Unity South Atlanta—another New Thought organization. He stuck with Unity, attending Unity Village Chapel (Unity Village, Missouri), Unity of Dallas, and First Unity of Saint Louis.

Born to parents who both worked in factories, Raymond was no stranger to hard work and its benefits. However, he lost his way on many occasions and dropped out of high school. He would later enter the U.S. Navy, where he was in the prestigious Nuclear Power Program. While in the Navy, Cain received his General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and was subsequently appointed to the Committee for Equal Treatment and Opportunity (CETO), serving under the leadership of Rear Admiral Draper L. Kaufmann.

After serving a year or so, Raymond was one of 38 out of 2,000 applicants selected for the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training program (Project BOOST). So, he was off to school again. But, alas, as the Vietnam War was winding down, Cain found himself slipping into a deep depression. The disease would eventually take its toll, and he found himself at odds with the Navy—he would subsequently leave the service with, however, an Honorable discharge.

After leaving the service, Raymond went back to high school and, in his own words, “got a real high school diploma.” He would marry his wife, Veronica, and subsequently go to college. While going to school, he worked in the funeral business. It was at this point that he started “preaching.” He was then asked to join the Prison Community Network and served as its director for two years, after which he joined the Mercer County Board of Social Services (MCBSS). At the MCBSS he served as an Income Maintenance Worker and Welfare Fraud Investigator.

Also, Raymond was elected president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL–CIO, Local 2285 and state vice president of the New Jersey Administrative Legislative Council #1, AFSCME, AFL–CIO representing Mercer County, New Jersey. Of note, Cain assembled a highly successful bargaining team, which was cited by the Director as one that “exhibited the ability to make calculated rational judgments along with a continuous attitude of trust and unquestionable integrity and character.”

After being in public service for four years, Cain felt the urge to go West, so he did. He and the family moved to Los Angeles and later Long Beach, where he enrolled at Long Beach City College (LBCC). Thus began his career in higher education, being appointed as an Instructional Associate and Supervisor of the Aviation Learning Center. He also founded Wings of Love Christian Fellowship (aka Raymond E. Cain, Jr. International Ministries, Inc.), which survived until he relocated to Columbia, Missouri for doctoral studies.

After graduating from LBCC, Cain transferred to California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA or Cal State, LA), where he graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was here that he was appointed a lecturer and acting program coordinator for the Aviation Administration degree program. While a student, he was awarded numerous awards and scholarships including the California State University (CSU) Graduate Equity Fellowship, distinction as a CSU Pre–Doctoral Scholar, and the CSU Doctoral Incentive Program.

Raymond applied for and received offers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Missouri (MU aka Mizzou) for doctoral studies. He chose MU because Columbia was listed as one of the best cities to live in the country. With his wife and seven children, he made his way to Colombia. While at the University of Missouri, Cain was involved in many activities, including doing administrative work and teaching. Towards the end of his tenure, Cain would receive an offer to teach at Western Michigan University, which he accepted.

So again, he packed up the family and headed to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he served as an assistant professor teaching aviation courses. After several years at Western Michigan University, Cain was offered the directorship of the aviation program at Florida Memorial College. He accepted the position and moved the family to Pembroke Pines, Florida. When FMC’s status changed to university (now FMU), Cain became dean of the School of Aviation and Safety. While there, he was awarded tenure and held the rank of associate professor.

After serving several years at FMU, Cain relocated to Atlanta Georgia, where he assumed the role of academic dean at Westwood College (now defunct). His tenure there was relatively short; however, he was instrumental in bringing much–needed change to the Institution. Among other things, Raymond would play a significant role in the College’s efforts to seek national accreditation. Nonetheless, with baggage in hand, Raymond and the family would move yet again, after accepting a professorship at the University of Central Missouri (UCMO). He would later retire from UCMO.

He now finds himself in the historic City of Jefferson, the capital of Missouri. It is here that he heeded the call to advance this ministry. Cain brings a wealth of spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to this new venture. In addition, he brings to this ministry years of experience in the Labor Market. These experiences contribute to his desire to fulfill the goal of fostering the peaceful evolution and spiritual unfoldment of humankind. Please review his vitae—below—for more information about his secular achievements.

Cain is an FAA–certified commercial pilot with multiengine and instrument ratings and a certified ground instructor with instrument and advanced endorsements. He has served also as an organist at many churches specializing in traditional gospel music. Raymond is married to his wife of 48 years, Veronica O. Cain, our secretary, and they have seven grown children together.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) — Career and Technical Education, Support Areas: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, Human Development and Family Studies, and Educational Research and Statistics — University of Missouri (MU); Dissertation: The Relationships of Metacognition, Self–Efficacy, and Educational and/or Flight Experience to Situation Awareness in Aviation Students; August 2001

Master of Arts (M.A.) with Special Recognition in Graduate Studies — Industrial and Technical Studies — California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA); Thesis: Selection and Development of Instructional Media Appropriate to a Model Collegiate Professional Pilot Curriculum; June 1994

Bachelor of Science (B. A.) — Industrial Technology (Aviation Administration Option) — CSULA; June 1993

Professional Certificate — Commercial Pilot — Long Beach City College (LBCC); May 1992

Associate in Science (A.S.) — Aviation Professional Pilot — LBCC; December 1990

Additional Studies

College of New Jersey (formerly, Trenton State College); Ewing Township (61 credit hours)
Mercer County Community College; West Windsor, New Jersey (34 credit hours)

CERTIFICATIONS

Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multiengine Ratings
Ground Instructor Certificate with Advanced and Instrument Endorsements
Federal Aviation Administration Designated Written Test Examiner

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Assistant Professor — Department of Aviation, Harmon School of Business and Professional Programs, University of Central Missouri; Warrensburg, MO; January 2012 – May 2013

Campus Academic Dean — Northlake Campus, Westwood College (now defunct); Atlanta, GA; October 2008 – August 2009

Dean and Tenured Associate Professor — School of Aviation and Safety, Florida Memorial University; Miami Gardens, FL; July 2002 – January 2008

Assistant Professor — College of Aviation, Western Michigan University; Kalamazoo, MI; May 1999 – June 2002

Various Administrative Assignments While a Ph.D. Candidate — University of Missouri; Columbia, MO; August 1994 – May 1999

Outreach Coordinator — Caring Communities, Columbia, MO Public Schools
Program Specialist — Heartland’s Alliance for Minority Participation, Graduate School
Graduate Research Assistant — Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Office of the Vice Provost for Minority Affairs and Faculty Development (MAFD)
Graduate Recruiter — Graduate School

Various Teaching Assignments While a Ph.D. Candidate — University of Missouri; Columbia, MO; August 1994 – May 1999

Clinical Associate — College of Education, Undergraduate Teacher Development Program
Graduate Teaching Assistant — College of Education (CoE) and College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES)

Acting Aviation Program Coordinator & Lecturer — Department of Technology, College of Engineering and Technology, California State University, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA; September 1993 – August 1994

Chief Ground Instructor and Safety Officer — Pacific Ace Aviation Academy (now defunct); Long Beach, CA; January 1991 – August 1992

Instructional Associate and Supervisor — Aviation Learning Center, Department of Aviation, School of Business, Long Beach City College; Long Beach, CA; January 1990 – August 1993

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Consulting Editor — International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies (IJAAS); Oklahoma City, OK; June 2006 – May 2013

Designated Written Test Examiner — Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Long Beach (CA) Flight Standards District Office; December 1991 – July 1994

State Vice President — New Jersey Administrative Legislative Council #1, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL–CIO; Trenton, NJ; January 1987 – July 1988

President — Local #2285, AFSCME, AFL–CIO; Trenton, NJ; January 1986 – July 1988

Investigator — Mercer County Board of Social Services (MCBSS); Trenton, NJ; June 1987 – July 1988

Income Maintenance Technician/Worker — MCBSS; Trenton, NJ; October 1984 – June 1987

Director — New Jersey Prison Community Network, New Jersey State Prison; Trenton, NJ; December 1980 – September 1982

SELECTED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

Rishe, N., Wongsoraj, B., Chekmasoz, M., Graham, S., Johnson, E., Cain, R., Weekes, C., & Lawrence, D. (2003, July). TerraFly application for flight planning and training. In Proceedings of the 7th World Multiconference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (pp. 1 – 5).

Lipton, E. B., DeMiranda, M. A., & Cain, R. E. (1995, March). Mentoring for diversity in Technology Education. In Proceedings of the 57th Annual Convention of the International Technology Education Association (pp. 88 – 92).

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

“Aerospace in 3D–A New Approach.” Panelist: 36th Annual Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Corporate Luncheon and Strategic Outlook Symposium; Las Vegas, NV; August 2012

“Designing and Delivering a Graduate–Level, Online, Aviation Course.” Presenter: 2012 Summer Institute for Distance Learning and Instructional Technology, Johnson County Community College; Overland Park, KS; August 2012

“What’s Next: The Transition from Ph.D. to Work.” Workshop Facilitator and Presenter: Graduate College, Western Michigan University; Kalamazoo, MI; May 2012

“Negotiating the Ph.D. Process.” Workshop Facilitator and Presenter: Graduate College, Western Michigan University; Kalamazoo, MI; September 2011

“Obey Your Thirst.” Keynote Speaker: Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Baccalaureate Service; Perrine, FL; June 2005

“Chasing Your Dream.” Keynote Speaker: Trinidad and Tobago Student Association, Baccalaureate Ceremony; Miami Gardens, FL; April 2005.

“Keep Your Eye on the Prize.” Keynote Speaker: ASPIRA of Florida, Inc. and St. Thomas University, Tenth Annual Muchachos Summit; Miami, FL; April 2005

“What Will Your Legacy Be?” Keynote Speaker: Miami Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen International, Inc., Annual Dinner Dance; Miami, FL; March 2005

“Upon Their Shoulders We Stand.” Opening Address: Negro Airmen International & the Marion Park and Harry Gilbert Deaver Foundation, Historic Ribbon Cutting for the New Hope Flight Training Academy; Miami Gardens, FL; July 2004

“The Role of Education in Developing African American Leadership.” Keynote Speaker: Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Board of Governors and Trustees Luncheon; Miami, FL; July 2004

“Flight to Success in Aviation.” Keynote Speaker: National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees 2nd Annual Black and White Scholarship Ball; Atlanta, GA; February 2004

“Realizing the Dream.” Keynote Speaker: Miami–Dade County Public Schools, Division of Math & Science Education, Science, Engineering, Mathematics Aerospace Academy (SEMAA), SEMAA Achievement Fair; Miami, FL; May 2003

“The Relationships of Metacognition, Self–Efficacy, and Educational and/or Flight Experience to Situation Awareness in Aviation Students.” Presenter: University Aviation Association Fall Education Conference, Research Roundtable; Dayton, OH; October 2003

“Stretching to Reach Your Fullest Potential” Featured Speaker: Concerned Black Women’s Roundtable, Teen Conference 2001; Kalamazoo, MI; September 2001

“Mentoring for Diversity in Technology Education.” Presenter w/ Lipton, E. B., & DeMiranda, M. A., (California State University, Los Angeles), 57th Annual Convention of the International Technology Education Association (ITEA); Nashville, TN; March 1995

FUNDED ACTIVITIES

Florida Memorial University

External Funding:

Principal Investigator/Administrator: Miami–Dade County Public Schools, Math Matters Every Day (M2ED) Project, July 2007, $175,000.00
Administrator: In partnership with Miami–Dade County Public Schools and funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Aerospace Academy (SEMAA), Aerospace Education Laboratory (AEL). June 2005, valued at $350,000.00
Administrator: U.S. Air Force Award #F08637 00–1–6001, FMU/USAF Flight Awareness Program, $4,450,000.00
Co–Investigator: NSF Award #EIA-0220562, MII: Infrastructure for Research and Training in Database Management for Web–Based Geospatial Data Visualization with Applications to Aviation, August 2002, $1,500,000.00

Western Michigan University

External Funding:

Principal Investigator: Kalamazoo County Business Environmental Education and Assistance Program, Alternatives to Glycol Use for the Battle Creek/Kalamazoo Airport Environmental Management System (EMS) Project, October 2001, $2,500.00
Principal Investigator: Aero Innovations for use of the WOMBAT (Wondrous Original Method for Awareness Testing) Situational Awareness and Stress Tolerance Test for completion of dissertation research and for continued use as an assessment tool at WMU’s College of Aviation, June 2000, $6,900.00

Internal Funding:

Principal Investigator: Teaching with Learning and Technology Grant to design, develop, and implement interactive, multimedia laboratory modules with digital video support and “real–time” video conferencing for aviation courses, February 2001. $10,000.00

UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE SERVICE

University of Central Missouri

Advisor, Alpha Eta Rho
College Curriculum Committee
Department Curriculum Committee, Chair
Department Safety Committee, Chair
Faculty Senate
Graduate Faculty
Quality Matters Program Course Reviewer

Florida Memorial University

Academic Council
Computer Resource Utilization Committee
Dean’s Council
Human Subjects Institutional Review Board
Planning and Administrative Council
Prior Learning and Assessment Committee
Registration Committee
Student–Related Involvement:

Alpha Eta Rho Fraternity (Chapter Founder)
Aviation Student Council (Founder)
Flight Club (Founder)

Western Michigan University

American Association of University Professors: Association Council Representative (2001 – 2002)
Assessment Council
Doctoral Faculty
Grade and Program Dismissal Appeals Committee
Information Technology (IT) Strategic Planning Committee (Co–Chair, 2000)
IT Users Group
Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) Grant Review Committee

College of Aviation, Western Michigan University

Committee on Information and Instructional Technologies (Chair)
Contract/Sponsored Programs (i.e., U.S. 1 and Delta Scholarship Programs): Participated in the interviewing, testing, and selection of U.S. 1 “ab initio” class; Provided input and support at “high–level” meetings regarding the implementation of a cooperative flight training effort with Delta Airlines; Provided testing (WOMBAT) and logistical support for the first Delta Airlines training course; Provided testing (WOMBAT and Aptitude) and logistical support for second Delta training course
Curriculum Committee
Faculty Policy Committee
Research Committee
Student–Related Involvement:

Faculty Advisor: Alpha Eta Rho Fraternity and WMU COA Student Council (Founder)
Instructor/Mentor: WMU COA Aviation Summer Camps (1999 and 2000) and WMU Upward Bound Math and Science Program (2000)

University of Missouri

African American Education Association (Vice–President)
Association of Black Graduate and Professional Students
College of Education Committee for the Promotion of Diversity
College of Education Special Cases Committee
Graduate–Professional Council

California State University, Los Angeles

Academic Senate (Graduate Student Representative)
Associated Students (Graduate Academic Senator)
Engineering and Technology Student Council
Student Policy Committee (Graduate Student Representative)

Long Beach City College

LBCC Pilots’ Association (President)

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Florida Memorial University

Greater Miami Aviation Association (Past Secretary, Executive Committee Member, and Board of Directors Member)
Hialeah (Florida) High School Advisory Board (Past President)
Miami–Dade County Aviation Ad Hoc Committee (Past Vice Chairman), Appointed by Miami–Dade County Commissioner, Dr. Barbara Carey–Schuler
Miami–Dade County Opa Locka Airport Development Task Force (Member)
Miami–Dade County Public Schools NSF–Sponsored “Rising to International Standards in Science/Mathematics Education” (RISE), Urban Systemic Program Advisory Board (Member)
Miami–Dade County Public Schools NASA–Sponsored “Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy” (SEMAA) Advisory Board (Member)
New Hope Flight Training Academy Advisory Board

Western Michigan University

Concerned Women’s Roundtable
Kalamazoo Air Zoo/Kalamazoo Public Schools Education for Employment Aviation Technology Program Advisory Committee

PAST PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Association for Aviation Psychology (AAP)
Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)
Diversity in Aviation Consortium (Co–Founder)
Greater Miami Aviation Association (Past Secretary, Executive Committee, Board of Directors,)
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
Negro Airmen International (NAI)
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)
Phi Delta Kappa
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI)
University Aviation Association (UAA — Past Secretary and Past Chair, Aviation Education Committee)

HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS

Fellowships and Scholarships

Associated Students Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship, California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), 1993
California State University (CSU) Doctoral Incentive Program, MU, 1994 – 1997
CSU Graduate Equity Fellowship, CSULA, 1993 – 1994
CSU Pre–Doctoral Scholar, CSULA, 1993 – 1994
GTE Minority Scholarship, CSULA, 1993
Gus T. Ridgel Doctoral Fellowship, University of Missouri (MU), 1994 – 1998
Lois Bryant Memorial Endowment, MU, 1996 – 1997
Los Angeles Transportation Club Scholarship, CSULA, 1993
Pacific Bell Scholarship, CSULA, 1992
Parsons Brinkerhoff/DMJM Engineering Management Consultant Team Scholarship, CSULA, 1993
Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship, CSULA, 1993 – 1994

Collegiate Honors

Alumni Certificate of Honor, CSULA, 1993
Aviation Administration Achievement Award, CSULA, 1993
Dean’s List, 1991 – 1993
School of Engineering and Technology Graduate Student Award, CSULA, 1994
Special Recognition in Graduate Studies, CSULA, 1994

National Honor Societies

Alpha Eta Rho
Epsilon Pi Tau (President of Alpha Psi Chapter 1993 – 1994)
Golden Key
Kappa Omicron Nu
Phi Kappa Phi

Other Distinctions

Listed in the 2024 Volume of Marquis’ Who’s Who
2006 Family Christian Association of America, Inc., Black Achiever, February 2005
Humanitarian of the Year, Florida Memorial University, May 2005
Featured in Miami Herald articles on 11/7/2004, 4/25/2004, 1/13/2004, 11/10/2002, and 10/27/2002
Featured in the following California State University, Los Angeles publications — Connections (Spring 1993, p. 5), University Times (June 1993, p. 4), and University Reports (Summer 1993, p. 2)
Listed in the 1987 Volume of Outstanding Young Men of America
Featured in Trenton Times articles on 11/20/1978 and 2/21/1982