DOVER – The Delaware State Senate unanimously confirmed Dr. Teri Quinn Gray of Newark on Wednesday to be the president of the State Board of Education.

“Dr. Gray has the intellect and the real-world experience to help build a school system that graduates students who are well-prepared to succeed in the competitive global economy,” said Gov. Jack Markell, who nominated Gray. “She understands the challenges educators face and knows what parents want from their children’s schools. I thank the Senate for unanimously confirming her.”

Dr. Gray has been actively involved in the Delaware State PTA and local school chapters, including as president of the Keene Elementary School PTA in 2005-06. Last year she served on the state PTA’s Vision 2015 Executive Leadership Academy and participated in the 2008 National PTA Emerging Minority Leaders Conference.

Dr. Gray has worked for DuPont Crop Protection in Newark since 1997. She currently is a Research Manager leading a team of more than 100 researchers pursuing the discovery, development and manufacturing of agricultural products and services. Before coming to DuPont, she held a fellowship with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.

“It is an honor to lead Delaware’s Board of Education and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Dr. Gray said. “I look forward to working with the Board as we address the Governor’s challenges of creating efficiencies among school districts and ensuring our children learn to the best of their ability.”

Dr. Gray received her Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of Maryland College Park, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Jackson State University.

“Dr. Gray is an excellent choice to lead the Board of Education during these historically challenging times,” said Former Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery.