About Us
The Etiquette Institute was founded in 1982 by Maria Everding, a native Saint Louisan, for the purpose of training and certifying adults to teach business, social, college, and children’s etiquette programs. In 2021, O. Ray Angle assumed leadership of The Etiquette Institute and Everding became the President Emeritus, changing the home city of TEI to Spokane, Washington.
People from all over the world, over 25 countries to date, have been trained and certified by The Etiquette Institute. Classes are kept small and personalized. Rules of etiquette have been around for a while, but they are not stagnant. They are constantly evolving as they are influenced by culture, technology, and new practices. At The Etiquette Institute you will learn what to teach, how to teach it, and how to remain current and relevant in today’s world.
The Etiquette Institute is internationally recognized for excellence in training and certifying Etiquette Consultants. Face-to-face certification training is held on weekends to fit into busy schedules and online training is available upon request. After completing the training, you will become a lifetime member of The Etiquette Institute and qualify for mentoring with the current President, O. Ray Angle, which is available without a fee.
Etiquette certification gives immediate credibility. There are no restricted territories or contracts to sign, and training may qualify for professional education credits with some professional associations.
The Etiquette Institute Team
O. Ray Angle
President & Consultant
With more than 30 years of experience in college career services and teaching, O. Ray Angle currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Career and Professional Development at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. For the over 20 years he managed a consulting, speaking and training business: Good Work Consulting, LLC. In July 2021, he acquired The Etiquette Institute previously based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Ray has held college career services leadership roles at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, California State University East Bay, Webster University, Millikin University, Saint Louis University, and Bradley University.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and his master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri. A recognized leader in career education, he routinely speaks at conferences as a keynote presenter, panelist or workshop facilitator. He has been featured on local radio and television programs and has been interviewed for and cited in The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Time Magazine, BusinessWeek, and The Chicago Tribune.
Ray has been invited to speak domestically and internationally on a variety of topics including career and professional skill development, leadership, and etiquette. He has served on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Board of Directors, and as the President of the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers (Midwest ACE), the Missouri College Personnel Association (MOCPA) and the Gateway Career Services Association. He was inducted into the NACE Academy of Fellows in 2014 and has served as a faculty member in their Management Leadership Institute. In 2007, he became an honorary member of The Etiquette Institute having collaborated with the Founder & President, Maria Everding.
A vagabond at heart, he has travelled to all 50 states, 16 countries, and five continents. Washington, where he currently resides, is his favorite state, and his adventure to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the trip that will be forever etched in his memory as life changing. During the global pandemic survived a COVID infection, drove from Washington state to Florida and back, and took on a variety of home improvement projects. In April 2021, he adopted an English Springer Spaniel named Opie (full name Opie-Wan Kenobe).
O. Ray Angle's Media Features
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Rethinking the Faculty Role in Students’ Career Readiness, Inside Higher Education, January 2022
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Wedding Thank-You Notes, St. Louis Best Bride, October 2021
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Where the Jobs Are, Time Magazine, January 2011
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Beyond the Headline: U.S. Census Study on STEM Graduates U.S. News & World Report, July 2014
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New Bachelor-Level Chemists Face Grim Job Market, Chemical and Engineering News, January 2013
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For Accountants and Engineers, School Name Plays Bigger Role, Wall Street Journal, September 2010
Maria Everding
President Emeritus
Social etiquette and manners are not mere words to Maria Everding – they are a way of life. As a consultant on social and business etiquette, Maria Everding is an internationally recognized authority in her field and a sought-after speaker. She is president emeritus and founder of The Etiquette Institute where adults are trained and certified to become etiquette consultants. She has trained and certified individuals from all over the world.
Maria Everding is often quoted in newspapers and magazines nationwide as well as a frequent guest on radio and television shows including KMOX in St. Louis; ABC’s Good Morning America, National Public Radio and the British Broadcasting Company. In 1982 Maria created and developed the Pretty As A Picture course in manners, poise, and style for young ladies. After 22 years, and reaching national prominence, she sold her children’s programs in 2004.
Maria authored several etiquette books: Pretty As A Picture: A Guide to Manners, Poise and Style for young ladies, The Ritz Kids Etiquette for Today, I Have Manners from A to Z and Panache That Pays, for the college senior and young professional. Her past experiences include having a column in St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles as well as Kansas City Bride and Groom Magazines.
Maria Everding was the recipient of the first outstanding alumna award from Patricia Stevens College. She’s often referred to as “Saint Louis’ First Lady of Manners.”
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Summer Salazar
Associate Trainer, Certification Program
Summer Salazar is a dynamic professional with a passion for fostering positive and effective communication through etiquette and has a proven track record of educating clients for the past decade. Summer serves as Director of Employer Engagement for Texas Career Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her clients, specializing in business, social, and dining etiquette. She earned her Etiquette Consulting Certification from The Etiquette Institute. In addition to serving as an Associate Trainer with The Etiquette Institute's Certification Program, she provides etiquette and professional development training and services through Salazar Consulting, LLC in Austin, Texas.
Summer is actively engaged in professional associations, including the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE) where she currently serves as President-Elect of the 16-state region.
With a warm and engaging approach, Summer is dedicated to empowering individuals with the skills and confidence needed to navigate various social and professional settings. Whether it's refining business etiquette, enhancing social interactions, or mastering dining decorum, Summer is your go-to expert for cultivating a polished and professional presence in any situation.
Mel McNair-Davis
Marketing & Design Consultant
Mel McNair Davis is an accomplished professional with nearly 10 years of experience in career development, budget management, and strategic marketing. She previously worked with Ray Angle at Gonzaga University as a Budget & Research Specialist, where her commitment to data-driven and beautiful reporting provided an informative look at the services provided by Career & Professional Development. She brings her creative eye to The Etiquette Institute as the designer behind the scenes on both digital and print marketing.
She is a two-time alumni of Gonzaga University, having graduated with honors in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, and again in 2016 with her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. She earned her Etiquette Consulting Certification in September 2021.