Dr. Clea Parker was selected as the President of Southeastern Louisiana University
in 1968, and served his alma mater (’48) for over twelve years. During his tenure
as president, Dr. Parker presided over some of the most prosperous years in the history
of the University. Southeastern had several new facilities open during his presidency,
including the Humanities Building, the Teacher Education Center, the Health & Physical
Education Building, the Athletic Building. Dr. Parker also oversaw the construction
begin on the new University Center.
Dr. Parker experienced Southeastern’s enrollment grow over 40% during his twelve years
as president. One of his major goals was to improve the faculty as the number of teachers
holding the Ph.D. increased substantially during his tenure. A hallmark of the Parker
administration was increased student involvement in the University, as he was the
first Southeastern president to name students to important committees. In short, Dr.
Parker changed Southeastern Louisiana College to Southeastern Louisiana University
significantly during the years of his stewardship.
In addition, Dr. Parker’s wife, Mrs. Peggy Parker, was Southeastern’s “First Lady”
during the twelve years that Dr. Parker spent as president of the University. Her
continual support of her husband only strengthened his tenure. They also had the
experience of having young children live in the President’s residence and grow up
with the Southeastern campus as their home.