Page 13 - New Bern Alumnae History-63 Years 8-1-16

The History of New Bern Alumnae Chapter

Soror Norma Hardin Sermon-Boyd
7th Director South Atlantic Region

Soror Norma Hardin Sermon-Boyd is a native of Kannapolis, North
Carolina. In 1960, she was initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter, Shaw
University, Raleigh. The chapter was fortunate to have Founder Jimmie
Bugg Middleton as a frequent visitor, providing guidance to the chapter and
Co-Advisor Thelma T. Daley, who later became our 16th National
President.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math and Science in 1962,
Soror Sermon-Boyd relocated to New Bern and began her distinguished
career as an educator. She subsequently obtained a Master of Science
Degree in Guidance from A&T State University, an ED.S from East
Carolina University, and an ED.D from Nova University.

As a member of New Bern Alumnae, Soror

Sermon-Boyd has served in many capacities,

including that of President (1973 to 1975 and

2005 to 2009). She has maintained her

commitment to public service on the regional and

national levels. Among her many contributions,

she has been a member of the National Program

and Planning Committee (1975 to 1978), and she

was elected to the National Nominating

Committee (1975 to 1978), serving as its chair.

In 1978, she was elected as the 7th Director of the June 25, 2016 (l-r) Past Regional Directors Sharon Reed, Nettie
South Atlantic Region, a position she held until Faulcon, Mary Bennett Sutton, Yvette G. Robinson, Juanita B.
1982. Her commitment to Delta continued as a Massenburg (newly elected), Andria M. Jeffries, Bertha M. Roddey,
Member of the Constitution and By-Laws Linda R. Wilson, Norma Sermon-Boyd, Thelma Pettis.

Committee (1991 to 1995); Chair of the Millennium Expansion Task Force (2001 to 2003); Member of

the National Leadership Academy; and, is Chair of Internal Development (2013 to present) for New

Bern Alumnae. Soror Sermon-Boyd continues to conduct training at many regional and national Delta

functions, as well as serve as a mentor for the Leadership Fellows Program.

Professionally, in 1993, she became the first African-American and female selected as Superintendent of
Jones County Schools. During her 10-year tenure, Soror Sermon-Boyd received a multitude of honors
including North Carolina Woman of the Year in 1995; 1998 North Carolina Administrator of the Year;
Southeast Superintendent of the Year in 1999 and 2000; and an appointment in 2001 to Governor
Easley=s Education First Task Force. In September 2002, Soror Sermon-Boyd was inducted into the
East Carolina University School of Education=s AEducators Hall of Fame@ in Greenville, North Carolina.
After retiring in 2002 from the public school system, Soror Sermon-Boyd became the Executive
Director of the Jones County Partnership for Children.

Personally, Soror Sermon-Boyd is the mother of Soror Marjorie Michelle Sermon and Richard Lamonte
Sermon. She is a member of St. Phillips Baptist Church in Pollocksville, North Carolina.

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