Born: Cumberland, Virginia, January 29, 1950
Education:
PhD, University of Pittsburgh (1995)
MLS, University of Maryland (1974)
BS, University of Maryland (1972)
Certifications:
Certificate in Management of Nonprofit Organizations, University of Pittsburgh (1995)
Career:
Professor, University Libraries, University of Memphis (2017-Present)
Dean, University Libraries, University of Memphis (2000-2017)
Chief Information Officer, Minnesota State University, Mankato (1998-1999)
Dean, Information Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato (1998-1999)
Dean, Library Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato (1995-2000)
Executive Director, Oakland Library Consortium, Pittsburgh, PA (1988-1993)
Head, Hunt Library, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (1985-1988)
Coordinator, Reference and Circulation, University of the District of Columbia (1982-1985)
Head, Circulation, University of the District of Columbia (1981-1982)
Unit Supervisor, Van Ness Campus Library, University of the District of Columbia (1980-1981)
Branch Librarian, University of the District of Columbia (1978-1980)
Reference Librarian, Acting Reader Services Library, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (1974-1978)
Coordinator, Recruitment and Special Programming, University of Maryland College of Information Studies (1973-1974)
Director, Library Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Career Related:
Chair, LLAMA Women Administrators Discussion Group (2015-2018); Co-chair, Evaluation Committee, 7th National Conference of African American Librarians (2010); President, Minnesota Valley Regional Library Board, Mankato (1999); Tutor, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (1993-1995); Member, Newsletter Editorial Advisory Board, Right Start Program, Institute for Black Families, Pittsburgh, PA (1993-1994)
Civic:
Chair, Holiday Planning Committee, American Legion Post 250 (2017); President, Kiwanis Club of Germantown (2015); Member, Scholarship Committee, Kiwanis Club of Germantown (2013-2015); Judge, Circles Success Learning Academy (2010); Judge, Circles Success Learning Academy, Memphis, TN (2008); Mentor, NEXUS, Memphis, TN (2008); Adviser, Student Organization, Circle K, Memphis, TN (2002-2005); Member, Big Sister, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, PA (1986-1995)
Creative Works:
Panelist, Presenter, “Civil Rights Collections in Tennessee Libraries,” Association for the Study of African American Life and History, 99th Annual Convention, Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TN (2014); Presenter, “My Accidental Journey to Leadership,” Aspiring Women Leaders Program, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN (2013); Panelist, Presenter, “Preparing Librarians for Leadership: Successfully Navigating the Tenure Track System,” 8th National Conference of African American Librarians, Cincinnati, OH (2013); Presenter, “Fundraising in Public Academic Libraries,” Tennessee Library Association Conference, Chattanooga, TN (2013); Panelist, Presenter, “Partnering with Service Organizations: Kiwanis as Library Partner,” American Library Association Annual Conference, Sponsored by the Library Leadership and Management Association, Chicago, IL (2009); Moderator, Five-Member Panel Discussion, “USA PATRIOT Act: Implications and Outcomes,” EEI 21 Symposium, University of Memphis, Tennessee (2003); Presenter, “A New Vision for the University of Memphis Libraries,” Fall Meeting of the Memphis Area Library Council (MALC) (2000); Panelist, “Academic Librarians in the Political Scene: How To Make Your Voice Heard,” Academic and Research Libraries Division Program, Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference, Duluth, MN (1999); Presenter, “Information Technology as a Tool of Empowerment for Minorities,” Pan African Conference, Minnesota State University, Mankato (1999); Panelist, Workshop, “The Search Process: Developing an Applicant Pool,” Sponsored by the Affirmative Action Office, Mankato State University (Now Minnesota State University, Mankato) (1997); Presenter, “Online Access to Disparate Systems,” Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference, Technical Services Round Table Program, Pittsburgh, PA (1992); Presenter, “The OLC Connection: A View from Outside,” Pennsylvania State Technology Conference, Harrisburg, PA (1992); Panelist, “Use of Electronic Publishing in the Oakland Library Consortium,” PRLC Spring Conference Pre-Conference on Electronic Publishing, Oglebay, WV (1992); Presenter, Exhibit, Demonstration, “The OLC Connection: A HyperCard-Based Introduction to the Oakland Library Consortium and its Libraries,” PRLC Spring Conference, Oglebay, WV (1992); Presenter, Exhibit, Demonstration, “The OLC Connection: A HyperCard-Based Introduction to the Oakland Library Consortium and its Libraries,” Atlanta, GA (1991); Presenter, “The Oakland Library Consortium: a Brief History and Description,” Library Consortia/Automated Systems Interest Group of LITA, Division of the American Library Association, Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL (1990)
Awards:
Recipient, Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018); Recipient, Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award, University of Memphis, TN (2016); Recipient, Educational Freedom Award, University of Memphis Chapter, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (2010); Honoree, Queen Of Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa Committee, African and African-American Studies Department, University of Memphis (2006)
Memberships:
Member, Circles of Success Learning Academy (2015-Present); Member, Executive Committee, The Confucius Institute, University of Memphis, Tennessee (2007-2009); Committee Chair, Black Caucus American Library Association (2005-2007); Chair, Memphis Area Library Council (2004-2006); Subcommittee Keynote Speaker, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) (2003-2004); Subcommittee Chair, Hospitality Desk, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) (2001-2002); Chair, Evaluation Committee, 5th National Conference, Black Caucus American Library Association (2000-2003); Member, Beta Phi Mu Honor Society; Member, American Library Association
Religion:
Christian
Family:
Daughter of Thomas Ben and Senola White Ford
Married: Louis Paris (June 8, 2002)
Children: Khalane F. Paris; Jomari E. Paris
Hobbies:
Sewing; Reading; Writing; Cooking; Fitness
Political Affiliation:
Independent
Biography Sources:
Who’s Who in America – 2019, 72nd Edition (pub. 2019)
Who’s Who in America – 2010, 64th Edition (pub. 2009)
Who’s Who of American Women – 2010-2011, 28th Edition (pub. 2010)