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A Selma native recently received a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Alabama.

Dr. Shayla Crenshaw McCray received her doctorate from dissertation work titled: “The Relationship Between Academic Optimism and Alabama’s Accountability Measures in a Selection of Title I High Schools Throughout Alabama.”

McCray graduated from Alabama’s Superintendent Academy and  currently the Director of Student Services in the Bessemer City School System.

“It is truly rewarding to obtain my doctorate from the University of Alabama,”  McCray said. “However, beyond me, this degree is a continuation of my concerted efforts to open doors for the disenfranchised and provide innovative ideas and that can improve the holistic well-being of students who are dire need.

The 1997 graduate of Selma High School comes from a well-known family in Selma. She is the daughter of Attorney Danny Crenshaw and 20-year retired Selma City Councilwoman, Bennie R. Crenshaw.

McCray is well educated. She graduated from Tuskegee University, two master’s degrees at Alabama State University and a law degree from the Vermont School of Law.  The  member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, credits her success to the Selma City School and Althelstein Johnson and the late Dr. Gayla Okeke, two of her most inspiring high school teachers.