Dr. Amy Stokes, Assistant Professor of Marketing, was inspired by Dr. R. Stephen Parker years ago when she attended Missouri State University where she obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dr. Parker became a mentor to Amy, he supported her, and he believed in her, he saw great things and potential in her future long before she did. She credits Dr. Parker in large part in her current successes. He continued to mentor her as she obtained her PhD, and became Dr. Amy Stokes. Dr. Amy Stokes now has an office across the hall from Dr. Parker in Glass Hall on the Missouri State campus in Springfield, MO. About her return to Missouri State she says “Coming out of my PhD program and after accepting my first job, nobody could understand why I was so keen on getting back to Missouri State. It is hard to explain the depth of gratitude that I have for the opportunities afforded me because Dr. Parker took the time and effort to see that my full potential was realized. He inspired me to want to do the exact same thing for another generation of students, and I am so thankful that I now have that opportunity.”
Mikel Howard is a senior at Missouri State University graduating in May. He has had the opportunity to study under both Dr. Amy Stokes and Dr. Stephen R. Parker. When talking about his experiences he remarks that Dr. Stokes “makes an impact every day in multiple people’s lives.” He comments that she “is able to teach and learn at the same time in a generation that is constantly ever changing. Students see her excitement and passion for what she does” He calls Dr. Parker a “Mentor, encourager, pusher, driven, involved, student oriented, friend, substitute parent…” Mikel Howard’s Missouri State University education has been impacted by these two professors, their passion for the students they teach and the areas they study.
Dr. R. Stephen Parker is the recipient of the College of Business International Professorship. This professorship is one of 28 endowed faculty positions at Missouri State University funded through private gifts. These endowed positions help to ensure Missouri State University attracts and retains the most accomplished faculty in their fields. Recently recipients of endowed faculty positions and the donors who established them attended the Endowed Faculty Positions Dinner at the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center. This event gave attendees the opportunity to honor generous donors who have established such positions and celebrate the faculty members who hold them.
Ken Hughes says
Congratulations!