Lunch with a Leader | Dr. Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá

Description

NACC's monthly Lunch with a Leader series highlights one local Leader in a friendly, sit-down atmosphere. Sit side-by-side community leaders and fellow chamber members around a king's table as we learn about the professional and personal journey of our leaders over a plated meal. Registration is required as we are unable to accommodate walk-ins with limited seating.

THIS MONTH'S LEADER
Dr. Abiódún “G-P” Gòkè-Paríolá
North Central College
President

Dr. Abiódún “G-P” Gòkè-Paríolá was appointed president of North Central College in July 2024. G-P, as he is affectionately known, is a veteran higher education leader who had previously served as North Central’s provost and vice president for academic affairs since 2015.

During his tenure as the College’s chief academic officer, Dr. Gòkè-Paríolá initiated and led the expansion of academic offerings, including new undergraduate majors in engineering, neuroscience, environmental studies, health science, and nutrition, and a growing suite of graduate health science programs, including Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and Nursing. He oversaw the thoughtful construction and renovation of several academic facilities on campus to better serve faculty, staff, and students; and he led the transition from trimesters to semesters, helping create more pathways and opportunities for student learning, engagement, and career readiness.

Prior to North Central, Dr. Gòkè-Paríolá was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., where he also served for a period as acting president. His additional experience includes serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio; as dean of the Evans School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Berry College in Rome, Ga.; as assistant vice president for academic affairs and director of the Center for Africana Studies at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga.; and as an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow and assistant to the president at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.

Dr. Gòkè-Paríolá completed his undergraduate degree in English in 1974 at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Nigeria. He earned his doctorate degree in English language and literature from the University of Michigan in 1982. He has authored more than 30 scholarly articles in the fields of English language and linguistics and a book on the political sociology of language.

Dr. Gòkè-Paríolá and his family reside in Naperville.

By registering and attending this event, you grant the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) the right to use your image and likeness in photographs, videos, and any other media captured during the event. You understand and agree that these materials may be used for promotional purposes, including but not limited to, social media, websites, and other marketing materials produced by or for the NACC.