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Ferris Alumna Parker Named President of South Central College in Minnesota

Annette ParkerST. PAUL, Minn. – Annette Parker, a Ferris State University alumna, was named president of South Central College as announced by the board of trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Her appointment is effective July 1.

Parker earned an associate degree in Industrial Drafting from Lansing Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Technical Education and a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Ferris. She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Kentucky University.

“It is both humbling and a tremendous honor to have been selected to serve with the faculty and staff at this outstanding institution and the communities it serves,” said Parker in a news release issued by South Central College. “I look forward to our work together in enhancing access, promoting student success, fueling innovation and pursuing excellence in all we do.”

Since 2007, Parker has served as the system executive director of the National Center of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Manufacturing and system director of workforce education at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Prior to that, from 2002 through 2007, she served as department chair of manufacturing engineering technologies at Lansing Community College. At LCC, she taught college students, corporate employees and dual-enrolled students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Parker, who replaces the retiring Keith Stover after his 14 years of service as president of South Central College, comes highly recommended.

“Dr. Parker is a proven leader and recognized expert in technical and liberal arts education strategies in support of global industries,” said Steven Rosenstone, MnSCU chancellor, in recommending Parker’s appointment. “Coupled with her deep experience in engaging students and faculty, and creating partnerships with business and government officials, she is an outstanding choice to lead South Central College and serve our Faribault and Mankato communities.”

South Central College is a community and technical college with campuses in Faribault, Minn. and North Mankato, Minn. The college emphasizes globalization and has partnerships with regional businesses and industries to offer students opportunities for internships and student employment.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system includes 24 two-year community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving more than 430,000 students. It is the fifth-largest higher education system of its kind in the United States.