Elder Emeritus, Co-founder of FAASA

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William L. “Bill” McCray is a native of Delray Beach, Florida where he graduated from Carver High School. He earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in History from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida, a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and he completed doctoral course work at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.

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Mr. McCray is involved in numerous professional and civic organizations and is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. He is an Emeritus Elder and a Co-Founder of this state’s largest Black student organization, the Florida African-American Student Association, Incorporated (FAASA). FAASA named its scholarship program in Elder McCray’s honor and the first recipients were recognized during the Sixteenth Annual State Convention (1991) hosted by the Black Student Union at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Florida is the only state in the nation with an association of this magnitude.

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Elder William McCray is the recipient of numerous honors and awards and is highly sought after as a motivational speaker. In 2001, he became the first swimmer to be inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame. On February 8, 2008, he was recognized in his hometown, Delray Beach, Florida, as a “History Maker” at the 6th Annual African Diaspora Award Banquet. In 2024, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award and is a Life Member of the FAMU National Alumni Association.

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Elder William McCray retired on December 31, 2008 after 31 years of distinguished and dedicated service to his beloved alma mater. He is married to the former Vernell Nelson of Live Oak, Florida. He is also the proud father of five children: William, Cornell, Darrell, April and Conrad. FAASA is honored to have with us – and proud to present to you – our own, Co-Founder and Elder Emeritus, William L. “Bill” McCray.