HCC Names New Provost and Executive Vice President and New Vice President of Campus Services and Chief Financial Officer
Howard Community College announces the appointment of Dr. Shantay R. Grays (left) in the new position of provost and executive vice president and the appointment of Joy Milfort (right) in the position of vice president of campus services and chief financial officer. Dr. Grays brings over 25 years of community college experience and will oversee the areas of student success and teaching and learning. Ms. Milfort has over 22 years of administrative management experience and will be overseeing the areas of finance, payroll, facilities, capital projects, and auxiliary services.
Dr. Shantay R. Grays (she/her/hers) – Provost and Executive Vice President
Dr. Shantay Grays joins Howard Community College after serving the Houston Community College District since 1998. She held several positions within Houston Community College, 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 served as the Vice Chancellor for Student Services. Dr. Grays provided leadership and college-wide oversight for Student Services, Colleges, and Centers of Excellence. This position determined the overall strategy for Student Services and was responsible for developing the goals and objectives, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination among all colleges and centers of excellence.
Dr. Grays’ career passion is community colleges and community college students. She aims to provide students with the best educational experience to 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.
Dr. Grays earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration with a concentration in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas-Austin, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grambling State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management. She served on the Hispanic Educational Technology Services Board, the Houston Guided Pathways Governing Council, the #RealCollege Texas Advisory Council, and the Texas Talent Regions Coalition. She is also affiliated with several professional organizations, including the NASPA Student Affairs Association, the National Council on Black American Affairs, The Presidents’ Roundtable, the American Association of Women in Community Colleges, and the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Joy Milfort (she/her/hers) – Vice President of Campus Services and Chief Financial Officer
Joy Milfort joins Howard Community College with 22 years of higher education administrative management experience. She has spent this time heading a plethora of business operations including budgeting, accounting, procurement, human resources, sponsored administration, information technology, data analytics, space management, housing, conferences, mail, and food services.
Ms. Milfort holds a Master of Business Administration from Bay Path University and a graduate certificate in Management Accounting from Duke University. She is a 2009 Harvard University Administrative Management Fellow and has held leadership positions at several prominent universities including Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and George Washington University. Prior to joining HCC, she served as the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration for Campus Life at American University.
In addition to her career in higher education, Ms. Milfort is certified as a professional mediator and mediator trainer, certified in conflict management and negotiations, and an entrepreneur. She also serves her community and church.