Rodney Parks

University Registrar and Assistant Vice President and Assistant Professor of Wellness

Alamance Building, Office 102 2106 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Professional Expertise

FERPA, Systems Innovation, Visual Experiential Transcripts, Consulting, Institutional Contracts, SARA Reporting, Summer College

Brief Biography

Dr. Rodney Parks serves as the University Registrar, Director of Elon’s Summer College, and Assistant Vice President at Elon University, where he has been a leader since 2013. He is also an Assistant Professor of Management and regularly teaches two to three Core Capstone courses each year. Dr. Parks earned his Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia.

Since joining Elon in 2013, Dr. Parks has been an active and influential scholar, publishing more than 100 articles and book chapters. His work appears in numerous AACRAO publications, including Helping Veterans Succeed: A Resource for Higher Education Administrators, Academic Record Transcript Guide, The Displaced Student, Mentorship in Higher Education: Practical Advice and Leadership Theories, and College Admissions: Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Student Body. He is widely recognized for his national leadership in advancing comprehensive learner records. In 2015, he spearheaded the redesign of Elon’s co-curricular transcript into a visual infographic format that more fully reflects the depth of the Elon student experience—an innovation that contributed to Elon’s selection for the Lumina Foundation–funded AACRAO/NASPA initiative.

As Director of Summer College, Dr. Parks has implemented data-informed marketing and enrollment strategies that increased summer revenue from $1.8 million to more than $5 million. Under his leadership, course efficiency consistently ranks in the 90th percentile.

With more than twenty years of experience in higher education, Dr. Parks brings a distinctive perspective that integrates deep expertise in student systems, policy, research, innovation, and teaching.

News & Notes

Education

University of Georgia, Athens, GA (PhD - Counseling & Student Personnel Serv.), 2011

University of Georgia, Athens, GA (EDS – Adult Education), 2010

University of Georgia, Athens, GA (MSW – Social Work), 2007

Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA (MA – Applied Sociology), 2000

Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA (BS – Criminology), 1996

Georgia Institute of Strategic Enrollment Management, 2012

Employment History

Dr. Parks is currently the University Registrar and Assistant Vice President. Prior to Elon, he served for 11 years in various senior administrative roles within the Registrar's Office and Human Resources at The University of Georgia.

Courses Taught

Counseling, Human Services, & Mental Health

HSS 111 – The Art and Science of Human Service Studies: Foundations of human services practice, social systems, and client-focused support approaches.
HSS 212 – Counseling Individuals and Families: Techniques for therapeutic communication, assessment, and intervention across diverse family systems.
HSS 130 – Grief and Loss with Children and Adolescents: Developmentally informed counseling strategies for supporting youth through grief and trauma.
HSS 271 – Introduction to Adventure Therapy: Principles of experiential and outdoor-based therapeutic interventions for mental and behavioral health.
HSS 378 – LGBTQ Issues in Counseling: Counseling competencies related to gender identity, sexuality, and affirming care practices.
HSS 471 – Counseling in the Age of AI: Exploration of AI-assisted counseling tools, ethics, and emerging technology in practice.
HSS 491 – Grief and Loss: Children and Adolescents (Independent Study): Applied research and advanced practice strategies for supporting youth grief.
HSS 499 – Independent Research in Human Services: Faculty-mentored research involving data collection, analysis, and applied human services inquiry.

Adventure Therapy, Outdoor Leadership, & Ecotourism

ABL 119 – Introduction to Adventure-Based Counseling: Experiential facilitation techniques used in counseling and human development settings.
STA 266 – Adventure-Based Ecotourism in New Zealand (Prep Course): Cultural, ecological, and logistical foundations for international ecotourism fieldwork.
GST 266 – Adventure-Based Ecotourism in New Zealand: On-site experiential learning focused on sustainability, environmental leadership, and adventure programming.
COR 331 – Wilderness & Adventure Therapy (Peru Study Abroad): Field-based therapeutic practices integrating culture, ecology, and adventure modalities.
COR 3310 – Wilderness & Adventure Therapy (Tanzania Study Abroad): Intercultural adventure therapy applications with an emphasis on global perspectives and community engagement.
MED 670 – Adventure Therapy Education: Pedagogical and clinical applications of adventure therapy in diverse settings.
MED 671 – Management of Adventure Programs: Administrative leadership, risk management, and program design for outdoor and adventure-based organizations.
PED 119 – Introduction to Trout Fishing and Jig Tying: Technical skill development in outdoor recreation and environmental appreciation.

Sociology & Social Systems

SOC 131 – Sociology Through Film: Analysis of social issues, identity, and culture through cinematic representation.
SOC 175 – Sociology of Suicide: Sociological frameworks for understanding suicide through social, cultural, and structural factors.
SOC 489 – Teaching and Learning Apprenticeship: Applied instructional experience focused on pedagogy, mentoring, and classroom support.
SOC 499 – Research in Sociology & Anthropology / ELR: Empirical research experience using qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

Global Study & Intercultural Engagement

GBL 130 – Preparatory Seminar for The Call of South Africa: Cultural, historical, and ethical preparation for global fieldwork.
GBL 230 – The Call of South Africa: Intercultural immersion examining social issues, community engagement, and South African contexts.

Leadership, Entrepreneurship, & Management

COE 319 – Life Entrepreneurship: Personal and professional development through problem-solving, creativity, and values-based leadership.
MGT 3700 – Employee Relations: Organizational communication, conflict management, and employee development strategies.

Foundational University Coursework

ELN 101 – Introduction to Elon Seminar: Academic inquiry, transition skills, and interdisciplinary learning within the Elon curriculum.

Leadership Positions

Professional Service & Leadership (Rewritten & Cleaned)

2022 – Senior Consultant, AACRAO Consulting
2021 – Member, SmartCatalog Advisory Board
2021 – Participant, IMS Global CLR Standards Workgroup
2021 – Chair, Credentialing Workgroup
2020 – Contributor, U.S. Department of Education Blockchain Initiative
2017–Present – Senior Consultant, AACRAO
2017 – Member, AACRAO Student Access and Equity Committee
2016 – Member, AACRAO Student Access and Equity Committee
2016 – Member, Paradigm Advisory Board
2015 – Member, AACRAO Nominations and Elections Committee
2014 – Newsletter Editor, SACRAO
2014 – Member, AACRAO Student Access and Equity Committee
2013 – Member, Parchment Advisory Board (Electronic Transcript Exchange)
2013 – Member, AACRAO Student Access and Equity Committee
2013 – Newsletter Editor, SACRAO
2012 – Member-at-Large, Recognition & Awards, SACRAO Executive Committee
2012 – Program Committee Member, National Conference on Students in Transition
2011 – Representative, SACRAO Wisdom Committee
2011 – Member, SACRAO Professional Access and Equity Committee
2010 – Chair, SACRAO Professional Development Program Committee
2009 – Representative, SACRAO Technology Committee

Research

New research includes:

Effective Employee Retention Strategies (Article)

Transfer Student Research

Student Mobility of Veterans in Higherer education (Book Chapter)

Current Projects

Dr. Parks is part of a three person team working to create a specialized generative-AI project specifically to serve Elon's community of learners. Rather than being a general-purpose chatbot, Elon Orion operates as a guided academic and career-support system built on top of a large language model, with functionality tightly regulated by the authoritative documents uploaded by staff in the Registrar's Office.

Built as a customized GPT, the project integrates academic advising, experiential learning documentation, and career exploration into one cohesive system. Its core purpose is to provide students, faculty, and staff with accurate, rule-driven guidance grounded entirely in Elon’s official academic materials and institutional documents.

A central feature of the project is its ability to generate structured experiential records—including the Personal Impact Record (PIR) and Enhanced Experience Transcript (EET). Elon Orion follows strict procedures laid out in the authoritative instruction files, ensuring that every document it drafts complies precisely with university standards. It can also interpret student résumés, experience spreadsheets, and course histories to categorize experiences, map skills, identify themes, and connect academic paths with professional competencies.

Beyond documentation, Elon Orion supports broader academic and career development by aligning student experiences with O*NET skill frameworks, recommending courses from the official Elon catalog, suggesting relevant digital badges, and identifying study-abroad options tied to career interests. The result is a rule-based, academically grounded advising tool designed to complement—not replace—human advisors by helping students better understand and articulate the value of their Elon education.

Grants Awarded

1.56 million Lumina Grant to Extend the Academic Record managed jointly by AACRAO and NASPA
10,000 Parchment Grant to Create a Visual Transcript
ALGBTIC Research Grant Recipient
National Student Clearinghouse Reverse Transfer Grant
Elon Innovations Grant

Publications

Peer Reviewed Publications:
Parks, R., & Rich, J. W. (2012). Back to school: Baby boomers in the classroom. The SACRAO Journal, 25, 25-29.

Parks, R., & Rich, J.W. (2012, Summer). Policy creation and the office of the registrar. The SACRAO Newsletter, pp. 12.

Parks, R., Rich, J. W. & Getch, Y.Q. (2012). Career consultation and experiential learning in a classroom setting. The Community College Enterprise, Fall, 18 (2), 101-111.

Parks, R., & Rich, J. W. (2013). Voices from the past: Boomers transition back to college. The SACRAO Journal, 26, 12-20.

Parks, R., & Rich, J. W. (2013). The displaced student: Responding to the higher education challenges imposed by Hurricane Katrina. The SACRAO Journal, 26, 27-32.

Parks, R., & Elliott, J. (2013, Spring). Thrive and survive: A primer for managers on how to motivate staff in an economic slump. The SACRAO Newsletter, pp. 37.

Parks, R., Rich, J.W., Evans, B.A., & Getch, Y.Q. (2013). Motivations and enculturation of older students returning to a traditional university. New Horizons in Adult Education & Human Resource Development. Summer, 25, 3, pp. 62-75. DOI: 10.1002/nha3.20031

Parks, R., Rich, J.W., & Hathcote, J. (2013). Changes in academic rigor over time: A transformative learning approach to higher education. In Developing and Sustaining Adult Learners. AHEA Book Series Chapter 11.

Parks, R., & Elliott, J. (2013, Summer). A Lesson from Academic Assessment: Transforming Staff Evaluations into Meaningful Tools. The SACRAO Newsletter, pp. 37.

Parks, R., & Hayes, Z. H. (2013, Winter). Don’t ask, don’t tell again? Time for colleges to ask the question! Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Issues in Counseling Newsletter, pp. 8.

Parks, R., & Edwards, A.D. (2014). Transgenderism and the college experience: Transitioning challenges during higher education. The SACRAO Journal, 26, 11-19.

Parks, R., Pikowsky, R., & Hayes, Z. (2014). From combat to classroom: The challenges to getting back on track to complete a college degree. Elliott, J., Gray, J., Hayes, Z., Head, D, Kim, Y., McBain, L., Millet, D., Walker, R., Parks, R., Pikowsky, R., Seaver, K., & Quann, J. Helping veterans succeed: A resource for higher education administrators. (Chapter 2). Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R., & Walker, E. (2014). Understanding student veteran disabilities. Elliott, J., Gray,J., Hayes, Z., Head, D, Kim, Y., McBain, L., Millet, D., Walker, R., Parks, R., Pikowsky, R., Seaver, K., & Quann, J. Helping veterans succeed: A resource for higher education administrators. (Chapter 5). Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R., & Walker, E. (2014). Helping student veteran’s transition to employment. Elliott, J., Gray,J., Hayes, Z., Head, D, Kim, Y., McBain, L., Millet, D., Walker, R., Parks, R., Pikowsky, R., Seaver, K., & Quann, J. Helping veterans succeed: A resource for higher education administrators. (Chapter 13). Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R., & Evans, B.A. (2014). Vegetarian and vegan friendly campus? Issues in attracting and supporting plant-based students in universities. College and University, 89(3), 12-23.

Parks, R., & Hayes, Z. (2014, Summer). Are you an LGBTQ applicant?: Is it time for colleges to ask the question? The SACRAO Newsletter, p. 9.

Parks, R., Perron, B., & Mpasi, P. (2015). Transition challenges of international student athletes. The SACRAO Journal, 28, 13-20.

Parks, R., & Walker, E. (2015). Understanding student veteran disabilities. College and University, 90(1), 55-74.

Edwards, A.E. & Parks, R. (2015). Traumatic brain injury and the college transition: Challenges from a student support services perspective. College and University, 90(3).

Parks, R., Walker, E., & Smith, C. (2015). Exploring the challenges of academic advising for student veterans. College and University, 90(4).

Parks, R. & Holms, M. (2015). Do you want Summer School to grow? Get to know your Registrar! Summer Academe: A Journal of Higher Education, 9, p. 2 – 8. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5203/sa.v9i0.550

Hamilton, S., Parks, R., & Van Voorhis, S. (2015). Transcription of nontraditional work and CEU’s (Chapter 4). Academic Record Transcript Guide. Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R. (2016, January). A world without registrars. University Business. Retrieved from http://www.universitybusiness.com/article/0116-parks

Black, T., Leuba, M., Owczarek, S., Parks, R., & Shendy J. (2016, January 11). 7 things you should know about the evolution of the transcript. EDUCAUSE. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-evolution-transcript

Parks, R. & Barnett, B. (2016). Evolution of the themed term: Deepening the student experience by bridging technologies. The SACRAO Journal, 29, p. 11-17.

Parks, R. & Holmes, M. (2016). Registrars and Admissions Officers: Invest time into building undergraduate research experiences in your offices. College and University, 91(1).

Shaw, M., Parks, R., & Holmes, M. (2016, Spring). Foster care and LGBTQIA identities. Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling Newsletter, p. 4-5.

Parks, R. (2016, Summer). Elon University’s experiential transcript – The future is here. The SACRAO Newsletter, pp. 25-26.

Parks, R., Taylor, A. & Edwards, A. (2016). Innovative credentialing: Employers weigh in on co-curricular transcripts. College and University, 91(2).

Book, C. & Parks, R. (2016). Should institutions expand the academic record? College and University, 91(3).

Parks, R. & Parrish, J. (2016, Fall). HB2: Discrimination takes a toll on university recruitment. Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling Newsletter, pp. 7-8.

Smith, C., Parks, R., Parrish, J., & Swirsky, R. (2016). Disruptive silence: Deepening a global education experience when technology is turned off. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, p – 1 – 14, DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2016.1244646

Taylor, A., Parks, R. & Edwards, A. (2016). Challenges on the front lines: Serving today’s student veterans, College and University, 91(4), pp. 47-60.

Parks, R., O’Connor, M. & Parrish, J. (2016). Gender pronouns: Recommendations from an institution that has solved the problem. College and University, 91(4), pp. 83-86.

Parks, R., Walker, E., & Parrish J. (2016). Sexual victimization. In The displaced student, (Chapter 5), pp. 81-103. Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R., Walker, E., & Parrish J. (2016). Medical outbreaks. In The displaced student, (Chapter 6), pp. 105-129. Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R., Walker, E., & Parrish J. (2016). Financial displacement. In The displaced student, (Chapter 1), pp. 1-11. Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R., Walker, E., & Parrish J. (2016). Veteran displacement. In The displaced student, (Chapter 3), pp. 45-57. Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Taylor, A. & Parks, R. (2017). Parting ways with paper: Student perceptions of the CeDiploma. The SACRAO Journal.

Parrish, J., Fryer, J., & Parks, R. (2017). Expanding the academic record: Revolutionizing credentials for today’s employers. NACE Journal, February.

Parks, R. & Parrish, J. (2017). HB2: The effects of polarizing legislation on recruitment practices. The Successful Registrar, Vol. 17 (2).

Parrish, J., & Parks, R. (2017). Building bridges with student mentoring: A design thinking approach. College and University, 92(1).

Parks, R. & Parrish, J. (2017). Equity and access: Strengthening college gateway programs with credentials. College and University, 92(2).

Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2017, July). Today’s comprehensive record: An evolutionary case study. Educause.

Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2017). Support identity expression to fully include LGBTQ students in campus life. The Successful Registrar, Vol. 17 (6).

Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2017). HB2: The effects of polarizing legislation on recruitment practices. Enrollment Management Report, Vol. 21 (2).

Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2017). HB2: The effects of polarizing legislation on recruitment practices. Recruiting and Retaining Adult Learners, Vol. 19 (8).

Parks, R. (2017, August 3). Leverage your technology solutions to support inclusion on campus. Blackboard Blog. Retrieved from http://blog.blackboard.com/technology-solutions-support-inclusion/

Rodriguez, C., Parrish, J., & Parks, R. (2017). Unseen differences: Cultural diversity among Hispanic and Latino students. College and University, 92(3), pp. 12-24.

Parks, R., Parrish, J., & Holmes, M. (2017). The forest and the trees: Mapping curricula to remove barriers to student success. College and University, 92(3).

Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2017). Support identity expression to fully include LGBTQ students in campus life. Dean & Provost: Practical Advice and Strategies for Academic Leaders. Vol. 19 (1).

Parrish, J., Parks, R., & Fryer, J. (2017). Revolutionizing academic records: A student perspective. College and University, 92(4), pp. 24-36.

Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2017). Evolving along with Your Credentials: Practical Recommendations from a Registrar. The Successful Registrar, Vol. 17(10).

Parrish, J., Parks, R. & Taylor, A. (2018). Building bridges with student mentoring: A design thinking approach. In Mentorship in higher education: Practical advice and leadership theories (Chapter 10), pp. 85-112. Washington, DC: AACRAO

Parks, R., Schachle, L., & Hanna, M. (2018). Developing an inclusive community: An Elon University Case Study. SACRAO, pp. 28-36.

Parrish, J., & Parks, R. (2018). Workspaces: The final frontier. College and University, 93(1), pp. 41-44.

Elliott, J., & Parks, R. (2018). Latino students and degree attainment. College and University, 93(1), pp. 11-18.

Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2018). Bridging student systems to impact diversity event attendance. In College admissions: Recruiting and retaining a diverse student body. (Chapter 5), pp. 157-171. Washington, DC: AACRAO.

Parks, R., Parrish, J., & Taylor, A. (2018). Creating a digital credential strategy. College and University, 93(2), pp. 69-74.

Parks, R., Parrish, J., & Taylor, A. (2018). Want to expand global education programs? Ask the Registrar! College and University, 93(3), pp. 45-47.

Rodriguez, C., Parks, R., & Parrish, J. (2018). Authentic Engagement: Deepening Students’ Experience in Short-term Study Abroad Programs. College and University, 93(3), pp. 24-38.

Coder, E., Hall, E., & Parks, R. (2018). Evolution of a semester Gap program: An experiential challenge. College and University.

Taylor, A., Parks, R., Parrish, J., & Hayes, C. (2018). Innovation to inquiry: Deriving additional value from credential expansions. College and University. 93(4)

Parks, R., & Straka, R. (2018). Gender pronouns to support identity: Creating a campus of difference. Phi Kappa Phi Journal.

Taylor, A., Brown, R., Parrish, J., Parks, R., & Hayes, C. (2018). Innovation to inquiry: Deriving additional value from credential expansions. College and University. 93(4), pp. 43-49.

Taylor, A., Parrish, J. & Parks, R. (2018). Time to consider the benefits of Credential Engine. The Successful Registrar, Vol. 18(9).

Parks, R. (2018, December 4). How big data is driving innovation at Elon University. E-Campus News.com: Innovations in Higher Education. Retrieved from https://www.ecampusnews.com/2018/12/04/how-big-data-is-driving-innovation-at-elon-university/

Parks, R., & Hayes, C. (2018, December 11). How big data is innovating the college experience for students and staff. eCampusNews.com. Retrieved from https://www.ecampusnews.com/2018/12/11/why-every-college-should-create-learner-profiles/

Shendy, J.E., Grann, J., Leuba, M., Green, T., & Parks, R. (2019, January 23). 7 things you should know about the comprehensive learner record. Educause. Retrieved from https://library.educause.edu/resources/2019/1/7-things-you-should-know-about-the-comprehensive-learner-record

Parks, R. (2019, April 25). Using transfer articulation to expand learner records. Transforming Higher Education Blog Series, Educause Review. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/blogs/2019/4/using-transfer-articulation-to-expand-learner-opportunities

Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2019). The emerging role of the registrar in enrollment management. College and University, 94(2), pp. 25 – 30.

Parks, R. (2019, June 6). Comprehensive learner profiles: Helping faculty improve pedagogy in the classroom. Educause Review. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/blogs/2019/6/comprehensive-learner-profiles-helping-faculty-improve-pedagogy-in-the-classroom

Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2019). Credential Engine: Use case scenarios for registrars. College & University, 94(4).

Schulz, H., Taylor, A., & Parks, R. (2019).Critical languages and college choice. College and University. 94 (3), pp. 57-62.

Parks, R., Taylor, A., & Hayes, C. (2019). Transfer articulation: re-envisioning a common registrar tool. AACRAO Connect. Retrieved from https://www.aacrao.org/resources/newsletters-blogs/aacrao-connect/article/transfer-articulation-re-envisioning-a-common-registrar-tool

Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2019). Credential Engine: Use case scenarios for registrars. College & University, 94(4), pp. 51-54.

Parks, R., & Hayes, C. (2019, November 15) Here’s why your college should create learner profiles. eCampus News. Retrieved from https://www.ecampusnews.com/2019/11/15/heres-why-your-college-should-create-learner-profiles/

Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2020, January). Shared Governance: A Challenge for Registrar’s. The Successful Registrar, Vol. 19(11), pp. 6-7.

Ntim, S., Taylor, A., Cross, D., Parks, R., & Dean, C. (2020). What is in a (Course) name? College & University, 95(1), pp. 57-64.

Parks, R. (2020). Visual experiential profile: An Elon University case study. In: Beyond The College Transcript, Innovative Strategies for Assessing and Documenting Student Learning. (Chapter 10). NASPA. pp. 169-184.

Taylor, A., Leed, N., Doherty, C., & Parks, R. (2020). Considering trade-offs: Evaluating student choice in academics and co-curricular. College & University, 95(1), pp. 69-76.

Parks, R. & Taylor, A. (2020). At-risk assessments: A new twist on midterm grading policies. College and University, 95(2), pp. 33-34.

Taylor, A., & Parks, R. (2020, July). Blockchain: A future technology for registrars? The Successful Registrar, Vol. 20(5), pp. 1-4.

Parks, R., Hayes, C., Taylor, A., & Heggie, M. (2020). Elon’s Comprehensive Learner Profile takes flight. College and University, 95(3), pp. 45-50.

Hayes, C., & Parks, R. (2020). Outcome innovations with the degree audit. College and University. 95(4), pp. 51-52.

Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2021, January). Find alternatives to enhance student well-being during COVID-19. The Successful Registrar, Vol. 20(11), p. 8.

Rompalo, S., Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2021). Suicide Postvention: A Growing Challenge for Higher Education Administrators. College & University. 96(1), pp. 63-70.

In Press

Hayes, C., Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2021). Registrar Strategies to Boost Summer Enrollment. College and University.

Dean, C., Taylor, A., Parks, R., Lin, A., & Castillo, B. (2021). Comprehensive learner records: The student voice. College & University.

Parks, R., Haya, A., Gaebel, A., & Taylor, A. (2021). Room scheduling: A dependent variable to reduce the spread of COVID-19. College and University. 96(2).

Hayes, C., Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2021). Registrar Strategies to Boost Summer Enrollment. College & University. 96(2).

Dean, C., Taylor, A., Parks, R., Lin, A., & Castillo, B. (2021). Comprehensive learner records: The student voice. College & University. 96(3), pp. 3-9.

Taylor, A., Hayes, C., & Parks, R. (2021). The comprehensive learner profile: Student-centered technology to ignite the student faculty relationship. (Chapter 3). In SEM as a Connector. Vol. 1, pp. 36-44.

Parks, R. (2021). Kilimanjaro millennial style: The mountain we climbed. Changemakers books, New York, NY.

Agnew, G., Bearden, S., Borland, T., DeMillo, R., Garrison-Duncan, A., Freeman, K., Lemoie, K., May, J., Mitchell, J., Murphy, S., Parks, R., Simi, T., Tran, H., & Yowell, C. (2021). ACE: The education blockchain initiative final report. American Council on Education.

Parks, R. (2022, March 7). Expanding innovation by inspiring creativity in the workplace. AACRAO Connect. Retrieved from https://www.aacrao.org/resources/newsletters-blogs/aacrao-connect/article/expanding-innovation-by-inspiring-creativity-in-the-workplace

Parks, R. (2022, April 26). What the modern registrar’s office can do for the modern learner. The evoLLLution. Retrieved from What The Modern Registrar’s Office Can Do For The Modern Learner - The EvoLLLution The EvoLLLution

Parks, R., Layne, P., Taylor, A., & Hayes, C. (2022). Managing the challenges of remaining open during a pandemic. College & University, 97(2), pp. 65-70.

Parks, R., & Taylor, A. (2022). Culture-adds: Divergent thinking and the future of the Registrar’s Office. College & University, 97(3), pp. 53-54.

Binkowitz, J., Layne, P., Parks, R. & Taylor, A. (2022). Communicating experiential learning to employers. College & University. Summer, 2022.

Parks, R. (2023). Understanding the New Landscape of the Registrar’s Office. The Evolllution. Retrieved from https://evolllution.com/attracting-students/enrollment_strategies/understanding-the-new-landscape-of-the-registrars-office/

Gaebel, A., Parks, R. & Taylor, A. (2023). Summer school: Pathways to increase enrollment and revenue. College & University, 98(2), pp. 57-60.

Parks, R. (2023). Collaborating with the Registrar’s Office: Organizational leadership for institutional success. The Evolllution. Retrieved from https://evolllution.com/collaborating-with-the-registrars-office-organizational-leadership-for-institutional-success

In-Press:

Jurney, K., Popp, M. & Parks, R. (2025). Why Stay? Students Voice the Reasons they Transfer. College & University

Presentations

Peer Reviewed Presentations:

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, San Diego, CA, April 17-20, 2006.
Session Title: Do you really know your co-workers: The hidden identity of sexual orientation.

Presenter at the National Conference on Students in Transition, Columbia, SC, November 8-10, 2008. Session Title: Non-traditional student success: Getting back in the game! .
Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, New Orleans, LA, February 7-11, 2009. Session Title: “Out” but shadowed: Advocating for equality.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Chicago, IL, April 13-16, 2009. Session Title: Transformative learning: Preparing students academically dismissed for five or more years to meet the changes in academic rigor at traditional higher education institutions.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Chattanooga, TN, February 7-11, 2010. Session Title: Help me help you: Professional and personal development through mentoring.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Chattanooga, TN, February 7-11, 2010. Session Title: 15x More Possibilities: Managing new race and ethnicity requirements.

Presenter at the 5th Annual Professional Development Conference, Athens, GA February 19, 2010. Session Title: Socialnomics: School counselor strategies to identify and address new challenges social media use may have on the LGBTQ community.

Presenter at the National Conference on Students in Transition, St. Louis, Missouri, October 8-10, 2011. Session Title: Career Consultation in the Classroom: An Outcome study on the effects of combining a career course with graduate student-led career consultation.

Presenter at the 19th Georgia Conference on College and University Teaching, Kennesaw, Georgia, February 3-4, 2012. Session Title: Back to school: Baby boomers in the classroom.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Northern Kentucky, February 11-15, 2012. Session Title: Integrating disability into diversity.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Northern Kentucky, February 11-15, 2012. Session Title: Back to school: Baby boomers return to the classroom.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Northern Kentucky, February 11-15, 2012. Session Title: Creating an equitable workplace for your LGBTQ Employee.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Northern Kentucky, February 11-15, 2012. Session Title: How to find a balance: Strategies towards advancing your career and education while maintaining performance.

Presenter at the 23rd Annual Southeastern Student Mentoring Conference in Gerontology & Geriatrics, Atlanta, Georgia, March 30 – 31, 2012. Session Title: Baby Boomers return to the classroom: A qualitative study of students returning to a large traditional Southeastern Institution.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 1 – 4, 2012. Session Title: Creating equitable workplaces.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 1 – 4, 2012. Session Title: Making friends with Zuckerberg: A conversation about the many paradoxes of higher education professionals.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 1 – 4, 2012. Session Title: Complete secure transcript and more.

Presenter at the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers Conference, Savannah, Georgia, October 7 – 9, 2012. Session Title: Making friends with Zuckerburg: The highs and lows of being an overachiever.

Presenter at the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers Conference, Savannah, Georgia, October 7 – 9, 2012. Session Title: Best commencement practices.

Presenter at the National Conference on Students in Transition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 13 - 15, 2012. Session Title: Back-to-School: Baby Boomers in the classroom.

Presenter at the National Conference on Students in Transition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 13 - 15, 2012. Session Title: From combat zone to the classroom: Challenges to getting back “on-track” to completing a college degree.

Presenter at the Read.Write.Act 2012 Virtual Conference, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, November 1 – 3, 2012. Session Title: The gorilla in the classroom: Baby boomers and the negotiation of identity. Prezi link: http://prezi.com/ncfoofatzkhn/back-to-school-baby-boomers-in-the-classroom/

Presenter at the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, November 4 – 9, 2012. Session Title: Changes in academic rigor over time: A transformative learning approach to higher education.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Northern Kentucky, February 2-6, 2013. Session Title: Changes in academic rigor over time: A transformative learning approach to higher education.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Northern Kentucky, February 2-6, 2013. Session Title: Career consultation in the classroom: An outcome study on the effects of combining a career course with individual graduate-led career consultation sessions.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, San Francisco, California, April 14 – 17, 2013. Session Title: From combat zone to the classroom: Challenges to getting back “on-track” to completing a college degree.

Presenter at the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers Conference, Hiawasee, Georgia, October 13 – 15, 2013. Session Title: Creating an equitable workplace for your LGBTQ employees.

Presenter at the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers Conference, Hiawasee, Georgia, October 13 – 15, 2013. Session Title: Current trends and topics from the eTranscript world.

Presenter at the National Conference on Students in Transition, Atlanta, Georgia October 19-21, 2013. Session Title: Transgenderism and the college experience: Transitioning challenges during higher education.

Presenter at the Annual Strategic Enrollment Management Conference Chicago, Illinois, November 10 – 13, 2013. Session Title: Vegetarian and vegan friendly campus? Issues in attracting and supporting plant-based students in universities.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 16 – 19, 2014. Session Title: Riding a crazy horse to a burning stable: Adapting to the challenges of the next generation registrar.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 16 – 19, 2014. Session Title: Transgenderism and the college experience.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 16 – 19, 2014. Session Title: Vegetarian and vegan friendly campus? Supporting plant-based students.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 16 – 19, 2014. Session Title: Writing for publication.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Denver, Colorado, April 14 – 17, 2014. Session Title: Dietary identities in higher education: Attracting and accommodating vegetarian and vegan students.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Denver, Colorado, April 14 – 17, 2014. Session Title: In their own words: A narrative case study of transgenderism and the college experience.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Denver, Colorado, April 14 – 17, 2014. Session Title: Helping Veterans Succeed: A Handbook for Higher Education Administrators.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Denver, Colorado, April 14 – 17, 2014. Session Title: Beyond the classroom: Stackable credentials, experiential learning, and how institutions are adapting to the changing landscape of academic credentials.

Presenter at the inaugural ALGTBIC National Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, September 19 – 20, 2014. Session Title: Transgenderism and the College Experience.

Presenter at the National Conference on Students in Transition, October 18 – 20, 2014. Session Title: Innovations in Experiential Learning.

Presenter at the National Conference on Students in Transition, October 18 – 20, 2014. Session Title: Traumatic brain injury and the college transition.

Presenter at the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Savannah, Georgia, October 25 – 28, 2014. Session Title: Beyond the classroom: Stackable credentials, experiential learning, and the rise of the co-curricular transcript.

Presenter at the first annual global “Parchment Coffee Talk” via Adobe Connect, December 17, 2014. Session Title: Extending the transcript: Bridging academic and co-curricular transcripts.

Presenter at the Parchment Exchange Users Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, April 11 – 12, 2015. Session Title: Assessing co-curricular transcripts combined with academic transcript.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Baltimore, Maryland, April 12 – 15, 2015. Session Title: Love 'em or hate 'em: The co-Curricular transcript project on your campus.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Baltimore, Maryland, April 12 – 15, 2015. Session Title: Serving the student you can't see: Registrar and Admissions challenges for online students.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Baltimore, Maryland, April 12 – 15, 2015. Session Title: Transitioning challenges of international student athletes.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Baltimore, Maryland, April 12 – 15, 2015. Session Title: Issuing experiential transcripts and competency reports: A registrar’s perspective.

Presenter at the PESC Spring Data Summit, Washington, DC, April 28 – 30. Session Title: Academic credentialing & extended transcript discussion board.

Presenter at the AACRAO Technology & Transfer Conference, Austin, Texas, July 12 – 14. Session Title: Issuing Experiential Transcripts and Competency Reports: A Registrar’s Perspective.

Presenter at the AACRAO/NASPA Meeting on Extending the Transcript, Chicago, Illinois, October 27 – 29, 2015. Session Title: Visualizations of co-curricular transcripts: A Lumina grant update.

Presenter at the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers Conference, Athens, Georgia, November 1 – 3, 2015. Session Title: The evolution of eCredentials.

Presenter at the Georgia Institute for Strategic Enrollment Management Conference, Athens, Georgia, November 1. Session Title: Strategic agility: Increasing utility of student information.

Presenter at the AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management Conference, Hollywood, Florida, November 4. Session Title: Building a comprehensive student record: An update on the AACRAO-NASPA Lumina Project.

Presenter at North American Association of Summer Sessions, Montreal, Canada, Session Title: Leveraging your Registrar to grow summer enrollment.

Presenter at the Carolina Association of Collegiate Registrar’s and Admissions Officers, Wilmington, North Carolina, December 6 – 8, 2015. Session Title: eCredentials and beyond.

Closing conference speaker at the Carolina Association of Collegiate Registrar’s and Admissions Officers, Wilmington, North Carolina, December 6 – 8, 2015. Session Title: From gatekeepers to keymasters: Unlocking the registrar’s expertise to improve recruitment and admission.

Parchment Exchange Webinar, December 14, 2015. Session Title: Extending the Transcript.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, February 11-15, 2016. Session Title: The registrar toolbox: “Next Level” electronic credentials.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, February 11-15, 2016. Session Title: Extending the transcript: An update on the AACRAO-NASPA Lumina Project.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, February 11-15, 2016. Session Title: Serving today’s student veteran: Challenges on the front line. **Student mentored poster session.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, February 11-15, 2016. Session Title: Curriculum visualization: Vision for the future. **Student mentored poster session.

Presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, February 11-15, 2016. Session Title: Assessing the value and utility of Elon University’s CeDiploma. **Student mentored poster session.

Parchment Summit, Washington, D.C., February 18. Session Title: Innovations in the transcript panel discussion.

Parchment Exchange User Conference, Washington, D.C., February 19 – 19, 2016. Session Title: The visual transcript: The next evolution of eCredentials.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Phoenix, Arizona, March 20 – 23, 2016. Session Title: Co-curricular records: It takes a village to capture the student experience.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Phoenix, Arizona, March 20 – 23, 2016. Session Title: Bridging student systems to impact event attendance.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Phoenix, Arizona, March 20 – 23, 2016. Session Title: Transitioning challenges for international student athletes.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Phoenix, Arizona, March 20 – 23, 2016. Session Title: Sending and receiving all of your academic credentials.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Phoenix, Arizona, March 20 – 23, 2016. Session Title: Let’s STOP diploma fraud and offer international students the documents they need, all the while developing an alternative to the apostille.

Presenter at the PESC Spring Data Summit, Washington, DC, April 13 – 15. Session Title: Evolution of data records management for credentialing & experiential learning.

Presenter at the UNC General Administration CBE Summit, Chapel Hill, NC May 17. Session Title: Transfer and articulation of military credit and PLA.

Presenter at the UNC General Administration CBE Summit, Chapel Hill, NC May 17. Session Title: Redesigning a student-centered transcript.

Presenter at the WCET Leadership Summit, Salt Lake City, June 8 – 9, 2016. Session Title: Case study, institutional innovations for the 21st century.

Presenter at the AACRAO Technology & Transfer Conference, Anaheim, California, July 10 – 12. Session Title: Great Scott! Transcript model extensions hit 88mph.

Presenter at EDUCAUSE, Anaheim, California, October 25 – 28, 2016. Session Title: Digital credentials for digital learners.

Presenter at the Lumina Foundation’s Beyond the Transcript: Capturing Learning Wherever it Occurs, Indianapolis, Indiana, November 28-29, 2016. Session Title: Introduction to new comprehensive student records models (plenary panel).

Presenter at Parchment Summit, Washington, DC, March 2, 2017. Session Title: Community Readout: Lumina, NASPA, and AACRAO's Comprehensive Student Record Project.

Presenter at Parchment Connect National, Washington, DC, March 3, 2017. Session Title: Community Readout: Lumina, NASPA, and AACRAO's Comprehensive Student Record Project.

Presenter at Parchment Advisory Board, Washington, DC March 3-4, 2017. Session Title: Innovating the form and function of academic credentials. Empowering learners and employers.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 2 – 5, 2017. Session Title: Mining Co-Curricular Data to Impact Retention of Minority Students.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 2 – 5, 2017. Session Title: Great Scott! Transcript Model Extensions Hit 88 MPH!

Presenter at the American GAP Association Conference, May 6-8, 2017. Session Title: Mind the Gap: Consideration in building a gap year program.

Presenter at the American GAP Association Conference, May 6-8, 2017. Session Title: The visual transcript: The next evolution of the academic record.

Presenter at the NACE conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 7 – 9, 2017. Session Title: Extending the transcript to present a comprehensive record of student learning.

Presenter at the IIE Summit on Generation Study Abroad, Washington, DC, October 1 – October 3. Session Title: New ways to communicate learning and achievement through a comprehensive student record.

Presenter at Parchment Connect: Carolinas, Greenville, South Carolina, October 19th. Session Title: The comprehensive student record and the educative experience: Experiential and visual transcripts at Elon University.

Presenter at the AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management Conference, Phoenix, Arizona, October 29 – November 1. Session Title: Mining co-curricular data to improve retention.

Presenter at Parchment Connect National, Orlando, Florida, March 24-25, 2018. Session Title: Credential innovation panel.

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Orlando, Florida, March 25-28, 2018. Session Title: An evolving credential: Transcripting supplemental education.

Presenter at the Groningen Declaration Network Annual Meeting, Paris, France, April 18 – 20, 2018. Session Title: The Comprehensive Student Record Movement Today in Theory and Practice.

Presenter at the HEAR UK Webinar, May 21. Session Title: The Comprehensive Student Record Movement Today in Theory and Practice.

Presenter for Credential Engine Webinar, July 18, 2018. Session Title: The Credential Marketplace.

Co-facilitator for the Learn and Build Summit, Washington, DC, December 4-5. Session Title: Exploring higher education use cases.

Presenter for NASPA Conference Panel, Los Angeles, California, March 9 – 13. Session Title: Innovative models for documenting student learning: Stories from the front.

Presenter for AACRAO’s Comprehensive Learner Record, Webinar, March 22, 2019. Session Title: Elon’s Visual Experiential Profile.

Presenter at The Forum’s 15th Annual Conference, Broadening the Circle of Education Abroad, March 27-29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Session Title: Leveraging Micro-Credentialing and Student Records to Support Comprehensive International Education Program Outcomes.

Presenter at the Groningen Declaration Annual Meeting, Puebla, Mexico, April 24-26, 2019. Session Title: Panel discussion: Bytes across the pond - Digital records in the UK and the US.

Presenter at Watermark Engage, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 25 – 28. Session Title: Improving curriculum and catalog processes with SmartCatalog.

Presenter for the 2020 Watermark SmartCatalog (panelist), Online, May 1st. Session Title: Curriculum and Catalog Management in the Age of COVID-19.

Presenter for Coursedog’s Community 2020: A Virtual Summit for Student Success. May 18th. Session Title: The Registrar’s Role in Retention and Student Success.

Presenter for Watermark Insight. June 11th, 2020. Session Title: Improving Curriculum and Catalog Processes with SmartCatalog.

Presenter for Parchment Webinar. July 23rd, 2020. Session Title: Experiential and Co-Curricular Learning During COVID-19.

Presenter for AACRAO SEM Conference. October 29th, 2020. Session Title: Utilizing Student Data to Inform Classroom Pedagogy.

Presenter for AACRAO (Webinar Series). March 12th, 2021. Session title: CLRs Are Here. Are You Ready?

Presenter at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Annual Meeting (virtual). March 29th – April 1st. Session Title: Utilizing Student Data to Inform Classroom Pedagogy.

Presenter for Parchment Connect Virtual – Credential Innovations. June 10th, 2021. Session Title: How we developed our comprehensive learner record and what we’re going to do with it next!

Chronicle of Higher Education Presenter – The Transcript of the Future. August 16th, 2023.

Innovating Academic Credentials: Elevating the Student Experience. Center for Academic Innovation | University of Michigan. October 9th, 2023.

Parks, R. & Sterenberg, M. (Hosts) (2024 – present). Code Switch [Audio podcast]. Credential Unscripted.

Professional Activities

2023 - Present SHRM General Member
2017 - 2022 Senior Consultant for AACRAO
2013 – Present American Council on Education (Military Programs) Faculty
2010 – Present ALGBTIC Member
2008 – Present American School Counselor Association
2002 – Present AACRAO General Member
2002 – Present SACRAO General Member
2013 – Present CACRAO General Member

Service Activities

Elon Gap Semester Volunteer
Alamance Humane Society
Allied Churches Food Bank Volunteer
JDRF Volunteer
Alternative Breaks Volunteer
2016 United Way Campaign Committee
2017 United Way Campaign Co-chair

Personal Information

A love of standing at the top of Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu with of groups of Elon students.

Awards

2022 AACRAO Award for Outstanding Mentorship
2020 National Student Clearinghouse Research Award
2018 Eduventures Innovation Award
2018 Parchment Award of Excellence – Field nnovator
2018 Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Innovation Grant Honorable Mention
2018 National Student Clearinghouse Research Award, AACRAO SEM Presentation
2017 Blackboard Catalyst Award, Optimizing the Student Experience
2017 Ellucian, EllumiNation Award
2016 Phi Kappa Phi, Faculty Induction
2016 Fraternity and Sorority Life, FIRE Award
2015 AACRAO, Emerging Leader Award
2015 Elon University, Elon Communities Enrichment Award
2014 SACRAO, The Margaret Ruthven Perry Distinguished Journalism Award
2014 Elon University, Phoenix Innovation Award
2013 SACRAO, The Margaret Ruthven Perry Distinguished Journalism Award
2010 Phi Theta Kappa, Glaux Faculty Award