By Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University’s Dr. Jeanette Parker, who has been serving as interim vice president for academic affairs, has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs.
“I am excited and thankful for this opportunity,” Parker said. “Campbellsville University has been instrumental in shaping who I am from my time as a student until now. We have a phenomenal team of faculty and staff who are dedicated to educating and taking care of students, and I am grateful to be part of this team.”
Parker has served at Campbellsville University for over 30 years, most recently as a professor of psychology and dean of faculty. Parker began work at what was then Campbellsville College in May 1987 as an admissions counselor.
As provost, Parker is Campbellsville University’s chief academic officer and can make decisions in the absence of CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins.
“Over the past eight months, Dr. Jeanette Parker has served with distinction as interim vice president for academic affairs,” CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins said.
Additionally, Hopkins noted Parker brings attention to detail, passion for quality and innovation to the role of provost and vice president for academic affairs – traits she has shown throughout her career in higher education.
Further, Hopkins said Parker has consistently shown a strong commitment to Campbellsville University’s Christian mission and has a heart for CU students.
“In addition, she wraps all of this in a thoughtful and Christ-like manner,” Hopkins stated. “I could not imagine anyone who could have done what she has done with such grace, integrity and effectiveness, and I believe she is the person we need to lead Academic Affairs going forward.”
Parker’s leadership in academic affairs, both as associate vice president and interim vice president, has seen CU develop new academic programs and experience growth in the number of students enrolled.
Under Parker’s leadership, Hopkins said, “In recent months, we have seen the development of emerging programs, vital systems for accountability and enhancement and fresh vision for academics rooted in integrity and quality.”
Parker has served as director of extended campus for Campbellsville College. In 2007, she was named associate vice president for academic affairs, and in 2021, she was promoted to dean of faculty.
A 1981 Pulaski County High School graduate, Parker graduated from Campbellsville College in December 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in May 1990 with a Master of Arts in Counseling and from Capella University in March 2005 with a Ph.D. in Psychology.
Parker is the daughter of the late C.E. and Frances Jacobs. She is married to Virgil Parker, a 1989 graduate of Campbellsville College, who serves as chief information officer for the Campbellsville Independent School System, and they have two children: Zach Parker and Abi Parker Waldrupe.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
(Gerard Flanagan, Lead Writer/Communications Specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications)