Daniel Parham

About Daniel Parham

At the heart of everything I do is a call to build people and cultivate spaces where others can thrive, whether in a university setting, a local church, or a community in need of hope.For over a decade, I’ve served in Christian higher education, having led at Biola University and Indiana Wesleyan University. From overseeing retention strategies, Title IX responses, supporting student care, and advocating for beautifully diverse communities, I’ve been privileged to walk alongside students in some of their most formative moments, especially those navigating the journey as first-generation, underrepresented, or marginalized individuals.But beyond administrative titles and strategy work, I’m a minister at heart. As an ordained Elder in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), I teach, preach, provide pastoral care, and serve with joy locally and nationally. Whether serving families through our Open Arms Family Outreach nonprofit, delivering a chapel message, co-hosting #PowerUp for COGIC’s International Sunday School Department, or participating on The Two Cities podcast, my goal is simple: to reflect and see God in every space I enter.Now pursuing my Master of Divinity as a Black Church Studies Fellow at Duke Divinity School, I’m continually seeking new ways to bridge leadership, faith, education, and justice, so students and communities alike can encounter transformation, not only in their own lives, but in generations to come.

Experience

1. Goodson Chapel Intern

   Duke Divinity School

   Aug 2025 — Present · Durham, NC, US

   Working within the Goodson Chapel team in consultation with the Chaplain of Duke Divinity School and other Duke Divinity School leadership, in which we assist in the planning and coordinating of three weekly worship services:Recruiting and scheduling worship leaders and musical guests, and corresponding with preachers. Composing services and bulletins, preparing the worship space, publicizing services and supporting special services such as Opening and Closing Convocations and Baccalaureate.

Education

• Biola University

  Master of Arts - MA, Christian Education

• Duke Divinity School

  Master of Divinity - MDiv, Black Church Studies

  2024 — 2027

• Biola University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Biblical and Theological Studies

• Morehouse College

  Computer Science

  2006 — 2007

Skills

• Recruiting
• Staff Development
• Higher Education
• Teamwork
• Nonprofits
• Admissions
• Leadership Development
• Editing
• Public Speaking
• Leadership
• Teaching
• Volunteer Management
• Customer Service
• Fundraising
• Microsoft Excel
• Student Retention
• Program Development