Dr. Kermeta J. "Kay" Clayton has served at Texas A&M University-Kingsville since 1988, first as professor and chair of the Department of Human Sciences, then as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (2-year internship) in the Provost's office. In 1995, she was appointed Vice President for Student Affairs and Special Services, followed by a promotion to Senior Vice President and Provost in 1999. She served as Interim President from September 2001 to August 2002, and was appointed Provost and Vice president for Academic Affairs in September 2002. Prior experience in higher education include appointments as assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin and associate professor and chair of the Department of Family Life Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Dr. Clayton holds a BS from Sam Houston State University, a MEd from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, and a PhD from Texas Woman's University.