Lora L. Dean was born in Indianola, Mississippi, to the late Dr. E. L. Dean and Mrs. Ora L. Dean. As an only child, she was raised in a family-oriented environment that emphasized the importance of education.
Lora is a 2000 graduate of Gentry High School, where she actively participated in numerous committees and clubs and served as Miss Gentry 1999-2000. After high school, she attended Alcorn State University, majoring in History Education. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2004 with a 3.75 GPA, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.
Continuing her academic journey, she pursued a Master of Science in Guidance Education, graduating with highest distinction in May 2006. In April 2018, she earned an Education Specialist degree in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning from Walden University. She later completed another Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Delta State University in July 2021, officially graduating on December 10, 2021.
Professional & Community Involvement
Lora is an active leader in her community and is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
- Board of Directors, Mississippi Delta Community College Foundation
- Vice President, Sunflower County Chapter of Alcorn State University Alumni
- Past President, Indianola Chamber Main Street
- Secretary, Salvation Army Board of Directors
- Secretary & Trustee, Pleasant Green M.B. Church, Moorhead, MS
One of her most prestigious achievements is being a recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship.
Current Role & Interests
Lora currently serves as a Professional School Counselor at Gentry High School, where she has been dedicated to student success for 16 years. In addition to her professional career, she has a passion for traveling the world.
Her life motto is:
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.”