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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Parrish to Be Inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

September 15, 2014

Dr. John W. Parrish, executive vice president emeritus at OBU, is one of 12 being inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame's class of 2014. The formal ceremony and dinner will be held Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jim Thorpe Museum/Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

Parrish retired from the OBU administration in November 2002, after more than 38 years of service. However, he has continued to serve the university through sports broadcasting and as chairman of OBU's Centennial Committee.

During his time at OBU, Parrish served in numerous positions, including sports information director, director of public relations and interim president of the university from 2007-08. Parrish has also written and published books about OBU history and served as president of the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society in 2006, 2007 and 2013.

Parrish has received numerous honors and awards from OBU, including having the university's public relations office suite named in his honor when he retired in 2002. He was named an honorary member of the OBU Alumni Association in 1989 and was inducted into the OBU Athletic Hall of Fame the same year. He received OBU's Meritorious Service Award in 1989 and the OBU Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award in 1974.

The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to recognize and honor individuals, living and deceased, for outstanding and meritorious service to higher education in Oklahoma. This year represents the 21st year to honor higher education educators and administrators, as well as those who support higher education with distinguished contributions.

To be considered for induction, individuals must have worked at one or more institutions of higher education full-time for at least 10 years. Individuals may also be eligible for consideration by performing an outstanding act of service to an institution, above and beyond financial contribution.

The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame is a service of the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society, established in 1991 as a nonprofit to support awareness of higher education's vital role in Oklahoma history. For more information about the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame or the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society, or to register for the induction ceremony, visit www.ohehs.org, email Marvanna Perry at mperry@okhistory.org or call (405) 522-0778.