Dr. Mary Leigh Gillespie, known as “Dr. G” to her patients and team, is a long-time resident of the Shoals and is from Florence, Alabama. Her education includes: Coffee High School (1991), University of North Alabama, Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry (1996), and University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Medicine (2002).

Dr. Gillespie returned to the Shoals in 2002 to begin practicing dentistry. She founded the first Free Dental Day in the Shoals, Dentistry From the Heart, in 2006. Although the name has changed to ThanksGiving Back A Smile, she has continued to give back to the community every November with the help of many volunteers. In 2014, she and her longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Julie Rice began the practice, Dynamic Dentistry of the Shoals.

Mary Leigh and her husband Bradley '96, have two children, Mary McCarley and Jack. The Gillespie family has attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence, Alabama, since 2005.

In her spare time, Mary Leigh loves to spend time with her family and supporting her alma mater. She received the 2014 UNA Alumni Award for Community Service. Dr. Gillespie has served on the UNA Executive Alumni Board since 2018. She served as the 2020-2021 National Alumni Association President for UNA. Dr. Gillespie was honored to join the University of North Alabama Foundation Board of Directors in 2020. Roar Lions!