Amanda Parker Recognized During Academic Honors Program at VSU

Amanda Fields Parker of Hahira, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award at Valdosta State University. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6. She plans to continue her education and pursue a Master of Education in Communication Disorders, also at VSU, and become a speech language pathologist. She is pictured with (from left to right) Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU; Dr. David Slykhuis, dean of the College of Education and Human Services; and Dr. Robert Smith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

VALDOSTA — Amanda Fields Parker of Hahira, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award at Valdosta State University.

Parker was recognized during VSU’s annual Academic Honors Program on April 27.

The James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award is presented to a student with a record of academic excellence and distinguished service inside and outside the classroom.

“Ending my undergraduate years by receiving this award feels amazing,” she shared. “I didn't even know this award was offered, so it was a wonderful surprise to be recognized for all the hard work and long hours I put in. I struggled with a lot of self-doubt when making the decision to return to college and get a degree as a non-traditional student, but I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished in my years here.” 

Parker graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders during VSU’s 235^th Commencement on May 6.

As a student at VSU, Parker was a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, where she devoted quite a few experiential learning hours to community outreach and community service initiatives.

Parker’s commitment to academic, leadership, and service excellence resulted in her earning repeated Dean’s List recognitions, the Sallie Hutchinson Scholarship, and the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, which is presented to a high-performing graduating student in each of VSU’s six colleges, including the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services.

Parker plans to continue her education and pursue a Master of Education in Communication Disorders, also at VSU, and become a speech language pathologist. She wants to work in early intervention services, helping children from birth to age 3 with swallowing, language, and speech disorders.

Her supportive family includes son Zachary Parker and parents Marshall and Nancy Fields.