A native of Memphis Tennessee, Dr. McClary received her Ph.D. in public health from The University of Tennessee along with her MS and J.D. from Memphis State University.  

Her academic training included concentration in science, microbiology, chemistry and biology. She also attended the University of Dijon (France) studying language.

Over the past 20 years, she has been a special court judge in Memphis, practiced law, and from 1985 to the present, has served in a number of high level posts at the University of North Carolina Asheville.  

These include chair of the Department of Health & Fitness, Director of the Health Promotion Department, and Director of the Hippocrates Pre-Med Program.

Her academic focus in the past decade has been the effect of relationships on health and counseling women who are seeking resolution of relationship problems.

Dr. McClary is the co-author of the textbook, Wellness and the Liberal Arts (Kendall Hunt) and is widely published with dozens of academic articles appearing in publications such as The Journal of School Health and National Issues in Higher Education.