Paramore

VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY

Sherry Paramore currently serves as vice president for Institutional Advancement at Bethune-Cookman University, a Historically Black University (HBCU) located in Daytona Beach, Fla. In her role, Paramore is responsible for developing strategic philanthropic partnerships to support the University’s students, faculty, staff, and campus initiatives. Prior to joining B-CU, Paramore was president of ELEVATE Orlando. The Central Florida non-profit organization equips and empowers underserved youth with in-school instruction, 24/7 mentoring, and post-secondary preparation.

Like many students at Bethune-Cookman and ELEVATE, Paramore is a graduate of the historic Jones High School and a first-generation college student. Her life experiences allow her to shape the lives of students and prepare them for thriving futures.

Paramore holds her B.A. in Political Science from Bethune-Cookman College, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the University Central Florida Public Affairs doctoral program.

With a laser focus on attaining educational equity for lower-income students, Paramore’s research garnered national attention and was recently featured in the “Washington Post.” The Late John Lewis once said, “when you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.”

Paramore feels fortunate to have a 30-year career providing leadership to local non-profit organizations that advocate for better futures for our youth. Creating systemic change gives students equal access to higher education which is crucial to empowering students to succeed, build careers and reinvest in their communities.

Paramore’s passion in life is community service, and she serves in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Metro Orlando Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, Orlando (FL) Chapter, YMCA Roper Board, Central Florida Women’s League, an ELEVATE Orlando Board member, and a member of Florida Executive Women. Paramore is married to Mike, and they have one handsome son, Mikey.