For thirty years, Paula Reed has been a devoted member of the Embry-Riddle family. From her beginnings in Human Resources to leading programs that supported students and colleagues alike, she has built a legacy of service, mentorship and community.

Here, she shares her journey of growth, gratitude and purpose at Embry‑Riddle.

In Paula's Words

Thirty years ago, I was invited to join the Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University family. That opening allowed me to return to my hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida, and care for my mother who was dealing with complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity because it allowed me to be present when my mama needed me most.

As a native of Daytona Beach, and a graduate of Bethune-Cookman College (University), I recognized Embry‑Riddle as an institution of higher learning. My career began in the Human Resources Department as a Personnel Specialist/Trainer.

In 1995, we were much smaller than we are today, and everybody knew everybody. We celebrated each other’s successes, and we empathized with each other’s challenges. I believe those close relationships I developed in those earlier years are what kept me here. Now, did I intend to stay here? I couldn’t even fathom 30 years of employment anywhere.

Personnel specialist; special assistant to the president for diversity (President Sliwa); director of student services; director of the women’s center; and coordinator to assistant director to associate director of the McNair Scholars Program are all the positions I’ve held, only to return back to my first home of Human Resources as an employee engagement coordinator.

My favorite and most consistent roles are my ten years of guiding the McNair Scholars Program. This program afforded me the opportunity to work directly with first-generation, underrepresented students and prepare them for doctoral studies. 

Under the direction of Dr. Maranda McBride, and later Dr. Mohamed Camara, we were able to guide hundreds of students by providing faculty mentors in their field of study, develop research projects, present their research around the country at McNair conferences and applaud those that achieved the ultimate goal of professoriate.

Although this program concluded in 2017, I am still celebrating the achievements of our students in 2025 striving and accomplishing their doctorate degrees… this blows my mind of how this program continues to live as a result of Embry‑Riddle’s foundation. Dr. Ashley Lear and I were the culminating force during its concluding years, and together, we continued to carry the torch of this wonderful program.

Daytona Beach and Prescott were both hosts of this magnificent program, one we should strive to attain again. I am honored to have touched so many lives, and I love when students reach back in person or electronically to share how their lives have developed.

My current position as an employment engagement coordinator is such a delightful role, and probably my final position. My supervisor Cayla Powell is an excellent manager, and working alongside Beth Costante is a blessing. Our engagement trio truly puts the employee first in the onboarding process, monthly engagement activities and employee development. It is refreshing to welcome new employees and to encourage them to make the best of their opportunities.

Beth and I are fondly called the “Dynamic Duo” and often told we act like “sisters”. Cayla’s open-door policy, eagerness to help us succeed and willingness to aid us is so refreshing.


Embry‑Riddle has truly been a blessing for me and my family. My career has allowed me to meet my needs and some of my wants.

I don’t have a designated departure date, I believe my presence here is a divine appointment, and I’ll leave when the Lord says so. It’s my hope that I have made a resounding difference in every life I’ve been blessed to touch and that my being here has not been in vain.