Emily Parker’s higher education career focuses on assisting students and their families in navigating the transition to college. Working at the University of Tennessee Knoxville for more than 17 years in a variety of roles in academic affairs and student life, Emily has focused on retention and success for a diverse student population.

Emily has provided leadership and collaboration in academic advising, leadership development, orientation, parent and family programs, first-year and transition programs, assessment, and strategic planning. She uses a data-driven and multi-year approach to decision making and resource allocation. Most recently, Emily served as the Assistant Dean of Students at UT where she led assessment and strategic planning efforts for the Division of Student Life and served as the retention specialist.

Emily’s professional involvement includes membership in numerous professional associations where she has presented or co-presented on first-year and transfer programs and the role of families in student success. She served as Treasurer and President-Elect of the Association of Higher Education Parent & Family Program Professionals, an organization for which she has also been treasurer and board member.  She has served as Province Collegiate Chair and local chapter advisor for a national sorority. She has been a LeaderShape Cluster Facilitator.  And she has completed the International Ombuds Association training to serve as a campus Ombuds.

Originally from Nashville, TN, Emily earned her bachelor’s in English and master’s in College Student Personnel from the University of Tennessee.

emily@torchstared.com