Parker Named Associate Vice President/Dean

Frank Parker

Frank Parker assumes the duties of the position in an official capacity effective immediately, according to Thelma J. Douglass, vice president for student services. Parker has served as interim associate vice president and dean since June 2001.

"We are fortunate to have a person like Dean Parker who has a wealth of knowledge of the campus environment and many years of experience in student services," said Douglass. "He has a positive outlook on student life and distinguishes himself as an outstanding staff member and leader on campus.

"He is a dedicated person who loves Sam Houston State University," Douglass added. "He shows a caring and loving attitude to all who have the opportunity to meet him. His achievements and accomplishments are numerous."

Parker received both the bachelor of arts and master's degrees at Sul Ross State University at Alpine. He began his career at Sul Ross, working as the assistant to the student union director and dean of student life. In less than a year, he was promoted to student union director.

He came to Sam Houston State in 1980 as director of the Student Activities Program and assistant director of the Lowman Student Center. In 1987 he was promoted to assistant dean of student life. During this time, he served as interim director of the University Health Center and Recreational Sports and Activities while those positions were being filled.

Parker was named associate dean of student life in March 2001 and served in that position until he was named interim associate vice president for student services/dean of student life three months later.

While at Sam Houston State, Parker has been responsible for the administration of student discipline, which includes counseling, interviewing, investigating, and applying sanctions. He is a member of the University Crisis Team, which is on call 24 hours a day. He has worked closely with campus housing personnel on programs, activities and discipline. He has served as the coordinator and director of the Freshman Leadership Program and as adviser to the Student Government Association and Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society.

Recently, he has been responsible for various areas of student life including the Offices of Judicial Affairs, Students' Legal Services, Student Life, Recreational Sports, Student Activities, and the Student Center. He has also been responsible for the development of such programs in the Office of Student Life as Freshman Orientation, EXCEL (Encouraging X-cellence through Co-curriculum Education and Leadership), and Sam CARES (Committed Attitude, Responsible Educated Service).

In addition to advising several student organizations, Parker has served or is currently serving on and has chaired numerous university committees. He is also a member of several professional organizations including the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators.

He has been a member of the City of Huntsville Zoning Appeals Board, a director of the General Sam Houston Folk Festival Board, president of the board of directors of the Huntsville Family YMCA, and has been involved with the Huntsville High School Youth Leadership Development Program. He is also a past recipient of an Outstanding Young Men of America award.

- END -

SHSU Media Contact: Julia May
Feb. 20, 2002
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu