Parker scholarship established

The James V. Parker Theatre and Dance Scholarship has been established through the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. Dr. Kenn Stilson and Rhonda Weller-Stilson made a gift to establish the scholarship in Parker's name. Their gift was matched through the faculty/staff component of the Honoring Tradition -- Inspiring Success Comprehensive Campaign through the foundation. The renewable talent-based scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled at Southeast with a minimum 2.0 grade-point average. The Department of Theatre and Dance will select the recipient.

Parker was the founding director of the University Museum at Southeast from 1975 to 1986. Over the course of his career as a visual artist, Parker has garnered numerous awards, and in 1986, he received the Otto Dingeldein Award from the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. He continues to paint every day in his home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.