Dr. Shantay Grays joined the Houston Community College District in 1998 and has held several positions within the institution including associate vice chancellor of Enrollment Services and Student Engagement, chief of staff to the chancellor, executive officer to the chancellor, Director of Student Success & Special Projects and Manager of Student Services Initiatives. She currently serves as the vice chancellor for Student Services. In her current role, she provides leadership and overall college-wide oversight for Student Services, Colleges, and Centers of Excellence. This position will determine the overall strategy for Student Services and is responsible for the development of the goals and objectives ensuring effective collaboration and coordination among all colleges and centers of excellence.

Grays’ career passion is community colleges and community college students. Her goal is to provide students with the best educational experience possible that will help them achieve their educational and career goals. Her research interests include issues affecting graduation and persistence rates of African American and Latino males in higher education.

Grays earned a doctorate of Education in Educational Administration with a concentration in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas-Austin and a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology from Grambling State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management. She serves on the Board of the Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS), the Houston Guided Pathways (HGPS) Governing Council, the #RealCollege Texas Advisory Council, and the Texas Talent Regions Coalition. She is also affiliated with several professional organizations, including NASPA Student Affairs Association, National Council on Black American Affairs, The presidents’ Roundtable, American Association of Women in Community Colleges and the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce