Parker's CEO Makes Single Largest Gift in Georgia Southern University History

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Parker's CEO Greg Parker gifted $5 million to the Georgia Southern University Foundation Inc. The gift, which is the largest in the university's history, will support the College of Business.

On Nov. 13, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the naming of the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University, with campuses in Statesboro, Savannah and Hinesville.

"By making this gift to the College of Business at Georgia Southern University, I hope to make a lasting impact on the business community in coastal Georgia," Parker said. "I truly believe in education's power to transform lives and have a strong commitment to giving back to the community."

Parker is known for his commitment to technology, innovation and charitable giving. The new name ties the College of Business at Georgia Southern to a successful entrepreneur and to a powerful brand that is associated with high-quality service and products, according to a company release.

"At Georgia Southern, we're focused on student success and meeting the workforce needs of our region and the state," said Georgia Southern University President Shelley C. Nickel. "This bold investment in our students will increase that effort and provide even greater opportunity for the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow."

The new funding will establish the Parker Business Scholars Program, Parker Business Scholarship Fund and Parker Faculty Support Fund, allowing Georgia Southern students to excel in the areas of professional development and scholarship.

• The Parker Business Scholarship Program (PBSP) will provide personalized professional development and educational enrichment opportunities to a select group of students in the Parker College of Business. Implementation of the PBSP will begin in fall 2019 and include specialized coursework, unique professional development opportunities and other experiential learning activities. The Parker Cos., along with the dean of the college, will have direct involvement with the PBSP students.
• The Parker Business Scholarship Fund will enable recruitment and retention of greater numbers of the best and brightest students, and will attract students with the potential for competitive offers from other universities, making the Parker College of Business a destination of first choice for students across the state and region.
• The Parker Faculty Support Fund will support faculty members and their research. Research is essential to the academic reputation of the college, to the scholarly currency and prestige of the faculty, and to the overall value proposition of the Parker College of Business as a leading academic institution.

In addition, faculty research remains at the forefront of the college's dedication to current trends in business and teaching.

"This $5-million gift signifies a new partnership between The Parker Cos. and the college. It will enhance the quality of teaching and learning and scholarly activities while raising the profile of the Parker College of Business and Georgia Southern University across the region, state and nation," added Allen C. Amason, dean of the Parker College of Business. "This partnership is a significant step forward in preparing more highly qualified students for the workforce."

Based in Savannah, Parker's operates 54 convenience stores throughout southeast Georgia and South Carolina.

Georgia Southern University offers 141 degree programs serving nearly 26,500 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville, and online instruction.