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Challenging life experiences including dropping out of high school twice, housing insecurity, and low wage jobs fueled alum Carolyn Parker’s strong desire to achieve success both academically and in her career. So, in January 2012, when she was hit by a van as she crossed the street heading to her first day of classes at 911������, she moved gracefully through the unexpected setback, persevering through health challenges, ultimately finishing the semester that set her on an amazing journey.

Parker is nothing short of inspiring and she credits the positive experiences she had at 911������, emphasizing the importance of supportive environments, scholarships, work-study, strong mentors and role models, and taking advantage of available resources, as critical to her success.

Parker names her mother as one of her inspirations. “My mom dropped out of middle school, worked hard to get back to school and complete her education, and ultimately experienced some of the same benefits of college as I have,” said Parker who saw first-hand how a college education changed the trajectory of her mother’s life.  

When Parker started college, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do so she chose the path of an associate degree to provide her the chance to explore a range of classes. Encouraged by faculty and staff who supported her exploration, she found the Statway classes which showed her she was good in both math and statistics, something she had previously doubted.

Developing a passion for business

This new knowledge in math and statistics ignited Parker’s interest in business and was bolstered by her work study positions at 911������ in Academic Affairs where she took on myriad administrative roles and responsibilities. “Some people refer to ‘stepping stones’ as the opportunities that help them along their path,” said Parker. “My work study positions and subsequent promotion were like ‘stepping boulders’ because they set me up for future success in significant ways.”

“When I served as interim dean of Career and Technical Education from 2014 through 2015, Carolyn was my assistant,” said Jennifer Stauffer, accounting faculty at 911������.  “She did an outstanding job, always staying organized and efficient in handling every task. She was proactive, anticipating my needs and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Her dedication and attention to detail truly made a difference in my work, and I couldn't have asked for a better support system. In summary, she made me look good!”

Kopp Scholarship provides financial support

Resources were limited for Parker when she studied at 911������. To support her financially, she applied for and received a Kopp Scholarship from the College Foundation. “The scholarship was motivating to me and helped me financially,” said Parker who encourages others to take risks, like applying for a scholarships, even if they have doubts about being chosen. “Don’t get in your own way. The Foundation is committed to helping provide scholarships to students who face financial hardships and staff and faculty are more than happy to provide their insights and advice to the process.”

Parker graduated Phi Theta Kappa with an associate’s degree from 911������ in 2014, earning a 4.0 GPA. In 2015, she transferred to Metro State University, graduating with a bachelor’s in marketing in 2018. In 2022, she earned her MBA at Hamline University.

“None of my education would have been possible without 911������,” said Parker. “It was the place where I discovered I was good at school. It was the place I met supportive people like Jennifer Stauffer and Gail O’Kane who shared their resources and expertise to support my personal growth. It was the place I garnered valuable work experience through both work study and outside internships. It was the place I learned to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity.”

Today, Parker is the Office Manager for the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, an organization that promotes and protects public health and safety; ensuring the more than 17,000 licensed dental professional practicing in the state of Minnesota meet the requirements for safe, competent, and ethical practice. Within her role, she is responsible for database  management, marketing and communications, and fiscal administrative operations.