Teaching is part of Mary's heritage. Her great-great grandmother was one of the first African American schoolmarms during the 1920s Reconstruction period. Mary was raised by her grandparents, Cleopatra and Rev. Daniel L. Garner, and she grew up in the church. But living in the inner city of Los Angeles, the chances for a college education for Mary were just not affordable, so she went to work rather than becoming a teacher like she dreamed. While Mary was in high school, she had been bitten by the acting bug, and continued to perform. Mary appeared in summer stock companies across the country and won the prestigious regional Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship award. After one of her performances, 25-year old Mary was approached by a representative from North Carolina A&T State University and offered a full scholarship.

Mary had not previously known about Historically Black Colleges and Universities before, and was excited about the opportunity. Without knowing a soul, she quit her job and moved east to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Professional Theater. In her senior year, Mary performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Mary completed her Master of Fine Arts Degree at United States International University in San Diego, California. It was there she began her professional acting career at the San Diego Repertory Company. She performed with the hit band "Split Decision" and performed at jazz festivals throughout California. Mary has been seen on nationally syndicated children's shows as well as served at the Professor and Director of Theater Arts at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. After earning her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, Mary began work as a college administrator.

With her strong worship background, her passion for teaching, and her flair for the dramatic arts, it seemed only natural for Mary to found Shepard College of Ministry and Creative Arts, with offices in Greenville. The college is committed to offering quality certificate, undergraduate programs, and ordination opportunities for persons desiring to undertake careers in faith-based arts administration and performance. Mary's vision is to open a local on-site campus in the next five years.

Mary is a proud member of Bibleway Church of Atlas Road and a member of the American Education Research Association and Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Along with her position as President of Shepard College, Mary is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at South Carolina State in Greenville.

For her commitment to educating others in bringing more artistry to their worship, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Dr. Mary L. Grimes as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.