Robert (Rob) Parker has been named vice president for Advancement at Emory & Henry College. Parker brings more than 20 years of successful experience in higher education fundraising for the liberal arts and sciences, including 14 years in executive leadership roles at both private and public institutions.
“Emory & Henry has great momentum across every dimension,” said Parker. “I am excited to work with President Wells, the Board of Trustees, my colleagues at the College, and Emory and Henry alumni and friends to complete the Collective Connections campaign and secure the philanthropic resources that will sustain and increase this momentum.”
Parker has served as vice president for College Relations at Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., where he and his team had one of the two best fundraising years in that school’s history. Under Parker’s leadership as senior associate dean for development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s College of Arts and Sciences, he and his team raised $523 million. At Agnes Scott College, Parker planned the largest campaign in that school’s history and led his team in raising $85 million.
Parker earned a Doctor of Philosophy and Theology as well as a Master of Arts in Divinity from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
More than 100 alumni and friends gathered in December 2022 for a Virginia Tech basketball game in Blacksburg. It wasn’t all about sports. Most fans in the crowd were old friends and classmates of VT head men’s basketball coach and Emory & Henry alumnus Mike Young, ’86.
Business faculty will be moving into their new digs in July, while classes are being scheduled to start in Carriger Hall on August 10. During the past Board of Trustees spring meeting, the board room was named for the 21st president, Jake B. Schrum (read more on page 6). A grand opening will be held in August and tours will be available to guests on Homecoming Day, October 14. New, paved parking will be added behind the building for guests, leading to the walkway through the beautifully designed courtyard.