New London — The Coast Guard Academy announced that Adm. Charles W. Ray, who retired earlier this year as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, has been named the next Tyler Chair in Leadership Studies at the academy.

In this role, he will deliver an annual address and speak to the incoming cadets each year. The academy said other contributions may include teaching and "coordinating opportunities to lead in emerging areas of national interest, such as the Arctic and cyber security."

The James S. Tyler Chair in Leadership Studies position originated in 2005 — with a gift from its namesake, a member of the Class of 1958 — and is part of the Loy Institute for Leadership.

The academy said Ray is expected to begin his duties later this year. He is taking over for Adm. Thad Allen, who has held the position since 2014, after serving as commandant of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2010.

Ray previously served as Pacific Area Commander, has served at six Coast Guard Air Stations, and held the title of Ancient Albatross, given to the longest-serving Coast Guard aviator.