Craig W. Parker - 2013
Craig W. Parker retired in March 2013 as general counsel of the University of the District of Columbia, where he served since 2009. Prior to that position, Craig was general counsel at The Catholic University of America (CUA) from 1987 to 2009. During that time, he and his colleagues at CUA -- Kathryn Bender, Margaret O'Donnell and Peggy Haney -- developed and maintained the "counsel.cua.edu" or Campus Legal Information Clearinghouse (CLIC) website that for many years was the only free and fully accessible website that attempted to be a comprehensive source of information on Federal regulation of higher education.
Craig graduated from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas in 1971; served as a conscientious objector and VISTA volunteer; and worked briefly as a newspaper reporter for the Bethlehem, PA Globe-Times before beginning law school in 1974 at CUA. Working in the law library by day and attending the evening division of the law school, Craig graduated in 1978. He was assistant dean of the law school and assistant general counsel from 1980 – 1987 and is a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia bars. He was a member of legal advisory committees to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, to United Educators Insurance, and was a charter and long-time member of the NCAA's (National Collegiate Athletic Association) General Counsel Advisory Board.
An active member of NACUA since 1985, Craig served on several NACUA Committees, task forces and working groups. During his membership tenure, he has written a publication, been a speaker, discussion leader and moderator at over 15 NACUA educational programs, and has attended nearly 50 annual conferences and CLE workshops. v Craig’s NACUA colleagues describe him as a wonderful friend and mentor. They note that he has been a leader in higher education compliance with the ever expanding universe of federal regulation. His colleagues state that Craig is one of NACUA’s giants who is the epitome of a selfless colleague, extremely thoughtful, humble, gracious, and generous. They note that he is a tireless contributor to NACUA and a credit to the profession.
While in retirement, Craig and his wife Betsy are moving to Portland, Oregon to enjoy their children and families, including their first grand-daughter Adela.
NACUA is pleased to recognize Craig W. Parker as a Life Member of the Association in recognition of his outstanding service and his sustained and substantial contributions to NACUA and the field of higher education law.