Para was president of Spartanburg Community College in South Carolina before returning to Stark State College in 2012 as its fourth president. Previously, she had spent 22 years at Stark State, including several years as vice president overseeing donor relations, marketing and communications, grants administration and student services. Para is passionate about providing affordable, quality education to students and embraces the importance of partnering with companies who rely on their local community college to provide skilled graduates. She remains active in the community and serves on various local boards and professional associations. Para holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska, an MBA from Ashland University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union.

Para and her husband, Greg, live in Canton where they raised their twin sons.