Dr. Betty Howell Gray

Dr. Betty Howell Gray dedicates herself to improving the quality of education and life for children and social issues that address equity and opportunity. Her journey along this road took her through the roles of teacher, principal, and director with over 38 years in Seattle schools. She is currently a retired principal and processional volunteer consultant working with affiliates of the National Alliance of Black School Educators.

Dr. Gray has received numerous awards, proclamations, and accomplishments. Since returning to North Carolina, she has organized three NABSE affiliates in North Carolina to enhance and facilitate the education and social development of all children, particularly black children. She has organized a series of successful voter education seminars, parent forums, town hall meetings, and political forums for school board candidates advocating for males of color on behalf of the Charlotte My Brother’s Keeper program. Her commitment to service and education has earned her a host of state and national awards. Awards since her relocation to Charlotte include the highest award given by the state of North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine; 2012 Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Award; 2016 Mecklenburg County Newsmaker of the Year; Certificate of Honor by the 40th Senatorial District of NC General Assembly; and 2017 NC Career Mastered Leadership Award. Dr. Gray earned her BS degree from NCA&T University, MA from the University of Washington, principal certification from Western Washington University, and doctorate from the Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Gray currently serves on several state and national boards. She has three lovely adult children—Frederick (Rita), Cedrick, and Kimberly. She is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church; listed in Who’s Who in the West, Who’s Who of American Women, and Crown Jewels Chapter of the Links, Inc.; and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rho Psi Omega Chapter.