Educator to receive her doctorate

The educator takes over as Youngstown superintendent in June.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city schools' newly appointed superintendent becomes the first black to earn a doctoral degree from Youngstown State University when she accepts her diploma at commencement ceremonies today.
Wendy Webb graduates with a doctorate in educational administration. In June, she will becomes the school district's first woman superintendent, replacing the retiring Benjamin L. McGee.
"I wanted to model to teachers and to others that professional growth is important," said Webb, 50. "A lot of people say it is but do not do anything about it.
"I wanted to show people that I just wasn't talking about it. I was believing it and living it."
Webb has worked throughout the Youngstown school district, including stints at South, Chaney and Rayen high schools, mostly as a librarian. Before being named assistant superintendent six years ago, she was director of instruction and curriculum for five years.
Personal ambitions
Webb is a great-great-granddaughter of Plimpton Ross Berry, a prominent local architect who helped construct many of the original buildings in Youngstown. She grew up on the South Side and graduated from South High School in 1971.
Webb earned her undergraduate and master's degrees at Kent State University, returning to Youngstown to help her mother care for her ill father.
Webb, who reared two foster children, spends part of her free time running a health club out of her garage. The club, called Soul Stretch, meets for an hour, three times a week; she estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 women have been through the club in its 24 years.
She also enjoys reading, is a huge fan of "Winnie the Pooh" and is also a part-time storyteller. She has written a few of her own children's books. One of the books she hopes to get published is "My Militant Mom and My Cool Dad George," a book based on her parents.