Mat-Su superintendent named to UA board

WASILLA – Mat-Su Borough School District Superintendent Dr. Deena Paramo has been named by Alaska Gov. Bill Walker to serve on the University of Alaska Board of Regents.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in a press release issued by the governor’s office.

In the release, Gov. Walker said Paramo’s experience working in one of the state’s largest districts and the fact that she’ll represent the Valley were the main factors in his choice.

“The Mat-Su Borough is one of the fastest growing populations in the state, and it is important that our university’s governing body has representation from this region,” he said.

Walker praised the enthusiasm and experience he expects Paramo to bring to the 11-member board.

“Dr. Paramo brings an energizing spirit and K-12 background to the board that will serve Alaska’s teachers and students well. During this hard fiscal time, I welcome creativity and efficiencies in setting University policy,” he said.

Before being named superintendent in 2011, Dr. Paramo previously served as an adjunct professor at UAA, as an elementary school principal and as a teacher in the Mat-Su and Glennallenn. She serves on several boards and commissions, including the Education Commission of the United States, the University of Alaska College Advisory Board, the Foraker Group Governing Board and the Alaska Association of School Administrators.

She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas State University, a Master’s in Education from UAA and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Oregon.

Paramo will fill the remainder of the term vacated when Micahel Powers was appointed Interim Chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her term will be up in 2019.