Dr. Cleo D. Larry earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry from Talladega College.  After completing her undergraduate studies, she enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she received her Masters of Arts and Ed. S. degrees in Secondary Education (Biology/Chemistry) and later her Ed. S. degree in EducationalLeadership. In May 2003, she earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration,Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Larry began her career in the educational arena over twenty-five years ago serving as a science teacher at Huffman High School and Booker T. Washington Middle School.  She was appointed assistant principal of Phillips High School and later principal of North Birmingham Elementary School where the school became a Literacy Demonstration Site for the Alabama Reading Initiative. Dr. Larry received the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence in Teaching and the Middle School Teacher of the Year Award to name a few.  Dr. Larry serves on numerous committees and volunteers in the community.  She is a member of Galilee Baptist Church in South West Birmingham and Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.