Today@Sam Article

Parker and Holmes Receive Emeritus Status

May 26, 2022
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Sam Houston State University President Alisa White’s request to grant emeritus status to Frank Parker as vice president for student affairs emeritus and Frank Holmes as vice president for university advancement emeritus was approved by the Texas State University System Board of Regents at their meeting on May 20.

Emeritus status is an honor presented by the university to show respect for a distinguished career. The conferring of the titles is not automatic upon retirement, but rather based upon high quality service and contributions to the university that clearly demonstrate the individual's worthiness for the honor.

A veteran administrator of student affairs, Frank Parker first joined SHSU in 1980 as the director of the student activities program and assistant director of the Lowman Student Center. He served in various roles in student affairs before being named the vice president for student affairs in 2005. Parker has led and managed key areas and services that build a sense of community, encourage personal growth and contribute to the well-being of students. He helped build a nationally recognized Student Money Management Center, create the Department of Student Activities and establish the first multi-cultural student services director position on campus. In addition, he oversaw the construction of a state-of-the art Health and Counseling Center and expanded the number of counselors to provide much needed mental health services.

Frank Holmes has served at SHSU for nineteen years as the vice president for university advancement. During his tenure, private giving increased from less than $2 million annually in 2003 to more than $16 million. Holmes oversaw two successful capital campaigns with combined commitments totaling more than $209 million. In 2011, SHSU received a $25 million pledge from alumnus Fred Pirkle, founder of Therm-Omega-Tech, Inc., representing the largest gift in the university’s history. In addition, during his time, annual alumni activities and meetings have expanded with the alumni membership base being raised to nearly 15,000 members.

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