Prior to his tenure as a professor at Ramapo, André Perry enjoyed a long career in the radio and record industry.

After earning his B.A. from Shaw University in 1971, he became the music director at New York’s WLIB radio station, then program manager at Howard University’s WHUR in Washington, DC. Andre’s record industry career kicked off at Columbia Records where he helped launch and befriended the group Earth Wind & Fire. After positions at RCA and Warner Bros., where he promoted the artists Bootsy Collins, Parliament Funkadelic and Prince, he moved to Arista Records where he worked with producer Clive Davis. He went on to head Mtume / Lucas Productions and returned to his jazz roots at GRP with Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen. Additional acts André worked with included artists such as The Gap Band, McCoy Tyner, Stephanie Mills, Bill Withers, Madonna, Phyllis Hyman, George Howard, and Reggie Lucas.

After earning his M.S. from Brooklyn College, he pivoted to a career as a beloved Professor of Communications at Ramapo College. In 2018, he was granted Professor Emeritus status by the College Board of Trustees.

“My father’s work at Ramapo allowed him to travel the globe with students and thoughtful leaders of today,” said his son, Keenon Perry. “He was a proud and supportive father, a doting “pop pop,” a devoted husband, a loving son and relative, a loyal friend and man committed to helping other folks tap into finding the slightest bit of purpose in their life to propel them forward.”

In honor of Professor Perry’s dedication to the students of Ramapo College, his family established the André Perry Memorial Scholarship upon his death in 2022. The award will benefit a student in the School of Contemporary Arts who has overcome adversity and achieved academic success.

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