Reverend Dr. Demetria C. McCroskey, Ed.D, "Pastor D", has an upbringing based on the Christian values of her mother and grandparents, Demetria has the heart of a true servant leader and vessel of God. Born and reared by her grandparents in a rural area of Murfreesboro, TN called “Shiloh”, Demetria quickly learned the value of spirituality. Her priorities center on believing, hoping, and trusting in Jesus Christ. She accepted Christ at the young age of 9 and was baptized at New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Murfreesboro, TN.
Demetria began her higher education journey at Lane College in Jackson, TN. She later transferred to American Baptist College in Nashville, TN, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies in May 2015. Additionally, Demetria obtained her Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership in May 2017 and her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice in May 2024 from Trevecca Nazarene University. Her dissertation is entitled "An Examination of the Perceptions of Mentoring in Preparing Millennial Administrators for Executive Leadership in Higher Education," with a special emphasis on Christian institutions. While pursuing her Master’s degree, she was given the opportunity to serve her alma mater as an administrator for federal and state grants. Since 2017, she has served on the faculty of American Baptist College as an Adjunct Professor of Leadership. She teaches courses at American Baptist College, such as Strategic Thinking for Servant Leaders, Gender Differences in Leadership, Case Studies in Leadership, Foundations of Vocation and College Readiness, and Concepts of Organizational Leadership.
On December 10, 2017, she was the first woman licensed to preach and profess the gospel at her home church, Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. On November 23, 2024, she was the first woman ordained at her home church, Walnut Grove. In April of 2025, she was commissioned by the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church family as the Executive Pastor. Demetria’s family taught so many important life lessons, the most important being Matthew 22:37-40, “Love God First and Love Others as You Love Yourself”. Demetria continues the legacy of humility that her grandmother instilled in her. She feels as if it is her responsibility and vocation to help marginalized communities. Her biggest motivation in life is her daughter Kathryn, who is named after her grandmother.
She has been blessed to be a part of multiple organizations that work closely with the community, such as Habitat for Humanity, Room in the Inn, Greenhouse Ministries, the Mary Parrish Center for Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Center of Murfreesboro, Hillsboro High School, and her home church, Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church. All of these platforms have provided her with both experience and opportunities in community organization and theological praxis. All of the organizations above have nurtured her Christian faith and helped her grow spiritually, becoming more Christ-like each day.
“The gift of life is such a beautiful blessing, I want to live my life to be a reflection of God’s grace, promises and love.” - Dr. Demetria C. McCroskey, Ed.D