Michael J. Sorrell | |
Birth Date: | November 11, 1966 |
Birth Place: | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Alma Mater: | Oberlin College Duke University University of Pennsylvania |
Occupation: | College administrator |
Spouse: | Natalie Jenkins Sorrell |
Michael Sorrell (born November 11, 1966) is the president of Paul Quinn College, serving since 2007.
Sorrell grew up in Chicago, the son of a social worker and the owner of a South Side barbecue restaurant. Sorrell attended St. Ignatius College Prep.[1] He earned a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, and a master's degree (M.A. in Public Policy) and law degree from Duke University. His doctorate in education is from the University of Pennsylvania.[2] [3]
Sorrell worked for numerous Dallas law firms after earning his law degree.[4] Sorrell also worked as a special assistant in the executive office of the president during the Clinton administration, and has also worked as a public affairs consultant. After the president of Paul Quinn College left the college in 2001, Sorrell sought the position, but instead earned a spot on the college's board. Sorrell became the president of Paul Quinn College in 2007.[5] Under Sorrell, Paul Quinn College founded the We Over Me Farm on the college's former football field.[6] The farm is part of Sorrell's larger goal of creating a "new urban college model" and addressing what Sorrell sees as a food desert in the region around Paul Quinn College.[7]
Sorrell was also part of a potential ownership group that put in a bid for the Memphis Grizzlies. Sorrell was also involved with the sale of the Dallas Mavericks to Mark Cuban.[8]