Parker Appointed Vice President for Student Services

Frank Parker

James F. Gaertner, SHSU president, announced that Parker has been appointed to the position that he has held on an interim basis for the past year. The action is effective June 1 and subject to approval of the SHSU regents.

"I am honored that Dr. Gaertner appointed me as the vice president for student services," said Parker. "Sam Houston has been a wonderful experience for me because of the great students and the caring people that have impacted my life.

"After 26 years of service I can honestly say that I love being here, cannot imagine anywhere better, and I bleed orange. It would be a pleasure for me to serve this university in any capacity. Serving as the chief student affairs officer is an added blessing."

Parker received bachelor's 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. He was named to that position permanently in February 2002 and to the position of interim vice president for student services in June 2005.

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.

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.

"There are many great things happening at Sam Houston State University," said Parker. "I look forward to representing our students and the Division of Student Services as we continue to make this grand old university one of the best in the country."

—END—

SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
May 9, 2006
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu.