Dr. Christopher Parker named to RCCA Board
Dr. Christopher J Parker, CEO has joined the Rural Community College Alliance Board
The NJCAA is proud to announce that Dr. Christopher J Parker, CEO has joined the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) Board. The Rural Community College Alliance represents the Nation's 589 rural community colleges.
The goal of the RCCA is to assist rural colleges with the challenges they face, share best practices, and educate federal policy makers on the role and mission these colleges play in their rural communities.
"We are thrilled to have Dr. Parker as part of the Rural Community College Alliance," stated Dr. Randy Smith, President of the Rural Community College Alliance. "Dr. Parker is from a rural area and started his education at a rural community college and brings a great rural background to our organization. I know he has a great love and appreciation for our rural colleges and the great work that they do.
The National Junior College Athletic Association currently serves 511 member institutions with a strong portion of those institutions serving rural communities.
"Furthermore," Smith added, "most rural colleges have strong athletic programs, which are so important to the college and the communities in which they serve and the NJCAA has been a major part of our rural colleges for many years. It's a great fit and we look forward to working with Dr. Parker and his skill set and excellent background which will be a great addition to our organization and rural colleges nationwide,"
Parker served for 10 years at Patrick Henry (VA), rising through the ranks as Athletic Director, Assistant Dean for Academics, Dean of Academics, and Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Campus Life, and Athletics. Parker was elected as just the fourth Executive Director of the history of the NJCAA in June 2017. Parker, who holds both a Doctorate and Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, attended Southside Virginia Community College where he received his associate's degree.
"I am very proud to represent the NJCAA by serving on the board of the RCCA," stated Parker. "I am a product of a rural community college, but like all of our colleges, athletics serves as an enrollment engine and we must continue to show support for educational and extracurricular opportunities by creating awareness of the NJCAA to assist institutions in their desires to grow."
"In addition," Parker continued, "this group of leaders understands the value of athletics in a rural setting and I am happy to serve alongside each of them."
About the RCCA
The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) is the primary advocacy organization for America's 600 rural community and tribal colleges and 3.4 million students. The RCCA promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America, through advocacy, convening, leveraging resources, and serving as a clearing house for innovative practice, policy, and research.
