Background
Perry, Cynthia Norton Shepard was born on November 11, 1928 in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. Daughter of George William and Flossie (Phillips) N.
Perry, Cynthia Norton Shepard was born on November 11, 1928 in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. Daughter of George William and Flossie (Phillips) N.
Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Indiana State University, 1967. Data Control Language (honorary), Indiana State University, 1987. Doctor of Education, University Massachusetts, 1972.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Maryland, 1984. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Coppin State College, 1991. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Chatham College, 1988.
Doctor of Public Service, University Massachusetts, 1989.
Secretary Nichols Investment Corporation, Terre Haute, 1956-1961. Educational representative Ohio region International Business Machines Corporation Corporation, 1962-1968. Director national teachers corps University Massachusetts School Education, Amherst, 1968-1971.
Associate professor education Texas Southern University, Houston, 1971-1974. Consultant, lecturer, University Nairobi United States Peace Corps, Kenya, 1974-1976. Staff development officer United Nations Economic Committee for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1976-1978.
Dean international student affairs Texas Southern University, Houston, 1978-1982. Chief education and human resources division United States Agency for International Development, Washington, 1982-1986. Ambassador to Sierra Leone American Embassy, Freetown, 1986-1989, ambassador to Burundi Bujumbura, 1989-1993.
Director international investment advisory services Farm Credit Administration Corporation, Houston, 1996—2001. United States director African Development Bank, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 2001—2008. Retired, 2008.
Board directors Institute for International Education Board Bols., 1984, World Affairs Council, 1984, Houston International Festival, 1994, Houston Model United Nations, 1994, National Council for International Visiting, 1994. Member Houston Commission on Foreign Relations, 1984, Houston Consular Corps, 1984, Greater Houston Partnership, 1993-1996. Diplomat in residence Furr High School, 1993-1996.
Member Praeclarus, National Business and Professional Women, International Council for Educational Development (board directors 1984-1986), Altrusan Society (board directors 1981-1982), Delta Sigma Theta (president Houston chapter 1982-1983).
Married James O. Shepard, November 2, 1946 (divorced June 1970). Children: Donna Ross, James O. Junior, Milo Kent, Mark. Married James O. Perry, March 20, 1971.
Children: Paula Lucille, James O. Junior.