Markay Winston ’87 to speak at Central College commencement

by Makaye Smith ’15

Markay Winston ’87, chief officer of diverse learner supports and services for Chicago Public Schools, will speak at Central College commencement May 16. Winston, one of Central’s 2014 alumni award winners, will address graduates with her speech, “Be Bold. Take Risks. Live Your Best Life!”

A respected educator, Winston serves as consultant, adviser, board member and speaker for many groups, organizations and conferences. Before working in Chicago Public Schools, the country’s third largest school district, Winston distinguished herself as director of student services for Cincinnati Public Schools. She led the district in special education, crisis response, homeless education, school health and English as a second language. Winston also served as a school psychologist and mental health consultant for Cincinnati’s Secondary Diagnostic Center for Behavior Disordered Youth, as well as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University.

“I am very humbled and honored to have been asked to deliver the commencement address for my alma mater.  How often does that happen in a lifetime?” Winston said. “Central has been good to me, and I fully intend to deliver the most inspiring words of wisdom and advice that I have to offer for our graduates.”

At Central, Winston studied psychology and competed in basketball, softball and track. She completed master’s and doctoral degrees in school psychology and counseling from the University of Cincinatti.

Throughout her career, Winston has committed herself to accelerating educational achievement of all children and was recently recognized as the Outstanding Specialist Alumna and Distinguished Alumna of the University of Cincinnati for contributions to education.