Patricia McCray-Roberts, MBA
Patricia McCray-Roberts, MBA, is a seasoned higher education leader with more than 27 years of experience dedicated to advancing institutional effectiveness, equity, and student success. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, she attributes her personal and professional transformation to education, an experience that continues to shape her leadership philosophy. Over the course of her career in higher education since 1999, she has developed deep expertise in strategic planning, institutional budgeting, data-driven assessment, and organizational development, with a strong emphasis on building efficient, collaborative, and mission-driven institutions.
Throughout her career, Patricia has led major initiatives in capital planning and facilities development, overseeing the creation of multiple higher education buildings that have received recognition for excellence. She also brings extensive experience in campus safety and emergency management, having developed comprehensive emergency response plans, continuity of operations frameworks, and facility master planning strategies across institutions. Notably, she provided critical leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding her institution through a rapid transition to remote operations while maintaining essential student services and organizational stability.
At the core of Patricia’s leadership is a commitment to equity, inclusion, shared governance, and mentorship. She is known for cultivating environments that support diverse, low-income, and historically marginalized student populations through accessible and student-centered practices. Equally important to her professional identity is her dedication to mentorship, where she intentionally supports both employees and students each year in their personal and professional growth. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, courage, and the belief that education is a powerful force for transformation that should be accessible to all.
• Western Governors University - MBA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to mentorship—both the guidance I received as a first-generation student and the mentorship I now provide to employees and students. I also credit my commitment to the transformative power of education, which has continually shaped my growth and professional journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to actively seek out strong mentors, as their guidance can be invaluable in navigating early career challenges. I also encourage them to clearly define their personal and professional values and to choose workplaces that align with those principles. Equally important is building a reliable support system to help navigate stereotypes and succeed in male-dominated environments with confidence and resilience.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include persistent stereotypes and structural barriers that women continue to face in male-dominated areas such as facilities and IT, which can impact representation and advancement opportunities. At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities to expand professional networks beyond higher education to bring in new perspectives and creative solutions, as well as to advance equitable access and inclusion for diverse and low-income student populations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are equitable access, inclusion, mentorship, and a people-centered approach to leadership. I strive to ensure fairness and opportunity for all, actively support and guide others through mentorship, and lead in a way that prioritizes empathy, respect, and the well-being of the people I work with.
Locations
Tacoma Community College
6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466