Alan Parsons of Russellville is the recipient of the 2019 Jim Ed McGee Award as the most outstanding graduate student at Arkansas Tech University.
Parsons was presented with his award during a reception at Tomlinson Hall on Monday, April 29.
A native of Kansas, Parsons served in the U.S. Army for nine years. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Kansas and enrolled at Arkansas Tech to pursue a Master of Science degree in college student personnel.
He received that degree in 2018, and along the way he made a lasting mark on the ATU campus.
It was through his leadership of the ATU Service Members and Veterans of America (SMVA) organization that the idea to create a student veterans lounge was born. Today, through collaboration with a group from Leadership Tech and the gifts of private donors, the lounge exists in the Doc Bryan Student Services Center.
Parsons continues to contribute to the ATU community through his role as an academic advisor for the Veterans Upward Bound program on campus.
Nominees for the Jim Ed McGee Award must have completed their graduate course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75.
The award’s namesake — Dr. Jim Ed McGee — served as vice president for academic affairs at Arkansas Tech from 1973 until the time of his passing in fall 1992.
His service to Arkansas Tech before attaining the rank of vice president included time as associate professor of education, director of institutional research, director of institutional services and director of development and public relations.
McGee’s wife, Carolyn, assisted in the presentation of Parsons’ award.
For more information about educational opportunities available through the Arkansas Tech Graduate College, visit www.atu.edu/gradcollege or call (479) 968-0398.
