Benita Ann Rollins-Gay

I was born in Urbana, Illinois. My parents were MSGT. Thomas C. and Frances C. Rollins. I attended J.W. Hayes School in Urbana, Urbana Junior High School and graduated from Urbana High School. I received my B.S. degree from Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio in Comprehensive Business Education and Business Administration. I then earned my Master's Degree from Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio in Business Education and Business Administration. During my 19 years of teaching high school and coaching girls track at Jefferson Senior High School, I implemented many programs in the Dayton, Ohio school system. For example, I started the Career Education Program where I had professionals come to the rural Black High School and talk about their various careers. I was also selected by the State of Ohio to write the Teacher Competency Testing for all teachers in the State of Ohio. That instrument is still being used today. I received numerous awards in the field of education and the Presidents Award from the Jefferson Township Board of Education.

I am the proud mother of three children: Jonte' Miesha Rollins, Jasmine Gay and Javarius Dunlap-Gay. My community service started after the death of my husband and my return to Champaign, Illinois: Vice President of Martin Luther King Elementary School PTA; first Black Woman President of the City of Urbana Schools PTA serving 2001-2002; and on the Board of Directors of A Woman's Fund. I am a 23 year survivor of Breast Cancer and counsel women who are currently struggling with it. Professionally I am a Family Counselor at Don Moyer Boys and Girl's Club in Champaign. Memberships include: National Council of Negro Women, Ohio Education Association, Black Social Worker, Crisis Intervention Specialist and numerous others. I currently hold the position as Area Chair Person of the research on the status of Black Women with the Southeastern Area Missionary Society and a member of the Louanna Riley Missionary Society.