Betty Cardwell Spencer was born in Institute, WV, the daughter of Mark H. Sr. and Jenny Williams Cardwell. Her formal education began at Institute Elementary School on the campus of what was then West Virginia State College and continued in Kanawha County Schools until she graduated from Dunbar High School in 1963. She attended West Virginia State and graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1967, then attended West Virginia University to obtain a master's degree in education.
She began teaching in the Kanawha County school system at the age of 21, where she remained employed for more than 43 years. She was a school principal at both Ford Elementary and Dunbar Intermediate where she exposed her students to West Virginia State University. Spencer served in that capacity for 32 years. She briefly served as Director of Elementary and Secondary Education for Kanawha County Schools from 1989 to 1990 but returned as principal for the remainder of her career.
Spencer has served on various boards and committees and has received many honors during her distinguished career including the Title I Award for Distinguished Schools at Ford Elementary and Dunbar Intermediate; the Dr. Hazo W. Carter, Jr., West Virginia State University Educator of the Year Award; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Educators and Civil Rights Activist Award; the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Education Award; the WVSU President's Award; the Alpha Phi Alpha Mentorship Award; the West Virginia Black Excellence Trailblazer Award. In addition, she was the only Black person inducted into the West Virginia Sports Car Hall of Fame with the nickname "Queen of Drag Racing." She is also a member of the West Virginia State University 'W' Club Sports Hall of Fame.
Spencer served on the Kanawha County Board of Education and was employed with KISRA as the Director of Pre-School/After School Programs. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the National 'W' Club and the WVSU Foundation Board. She was a member of the former WVSU Board of Advisors, before the establishment of the Board of Governors.
She is a life member of the Episcopal Church. She currently serves as President, of Charleston-Institute Links, Inc., a Diamond Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a Lifetime Member of the West Virginia State University 'W' Club, a Lifetime Member of the WVSU National Alumni Association, and other community engagement organizations.
Spencer has served her alma mater in a variety of capacities, including serving as an active community member of search committees to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion of hiring qualified faculty and staff. She has continued over the years to foster an environment of integrity and inclusion for the WVSU family to host " a home away from home" for students, faculty, and staff.
Spencer provides meals for student-athletes and their coaches to eat a well-balanced meal, immediately following games. This meal preparation coupled with the support of her family and friends catalyzes connecting student-athletes with the WVSU family and community. Students not involved in athletics have also found a "home away from home" and this environment has created mentoring opportunities while fostering a sense of belonging to all.