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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 138
BY REPRESENTATIVE BROADWATER
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of Dr. Clea Parker, former
Southeastern Louisiana University president
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the House of Representatives of the2
Legislature of Louisiana upon the death of Clea Edward Parker, former president of3
Southeastern Louisiana University.4
WHEREAS, Dr. Clea Edward Parker served as president of Southeastern Louisiana5
University for over twelve years, from January, 1968, through June, 1980; and6
WHEREAS, during Dr. Parker's tenure as president, the school transitioned from a7
college to a university, which increased its standing among post-secondary institutions; and8
WHEREAS, Southeastern Louisiana University experienced a forty percent growth9
in enrollment during Dr. Parker's term as president; and10
WHEREAS, Dr. Parker obtained legislative approval to undertake an ambitious11
renovation and construction program at the university, including the building of the12
Southeastern School of Nursing in Baton Rouge, the C.E. Cate Teacher Education Center,13
the Athletic Building, the humanities building now known as D. Vickers Hall, the Health and14
Physical Education Building, the new Sims Memorial Library, and the Southeastern15
University Center; and16
WHEREAS, a hallmark of Dr. Parker's term as president was his focus on increasing17
the role of students in the university, including their involvement in determining graduate18
programs to be offered; and19 HLS 14RS-4952 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 138
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WHEREAS, Dr. Parker increased student involvement by naming students to serve1
on university-wide committees, having an open-door policy for students to visit with him2
in his office, and visiting students in cafeterias, classrooms, and on the grounds; and3
WHEREAS, Clea Edward Parker was born to William and Lutretia Davis Parker on4
April 2, 1927, in Talisheek, Louisiana, in St. Tammany Parish; and 5
WHEREAS, Parker's life was one committed to education, beginning as an instructor6
at Rugby Academy in New Orleans and continuing seventeen years in the St. Tammany7
Parish School System as a teacher, coach, supervisor, and eventually, Director of Curriculum8
and Instruction for the parish school system; and9
WHEREAS, Dr. Parker served as principal of Mandeville High School and was the10
first graduate of that school to serve as its principal; and11
WHEREAS, Dr. Parker earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Southeastern Louisiana12
College and, interestingly, was the first alumnus of that institution to serve as its president;13
and14
WHEREAS, Dr. Parker earned his Master of Education and Doctor of Education15
degrees from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge; and16
WHEREAS, in his many years as an educator, Dr. Parker served on a number of17
local, state, and national committees and was recognized by many educational organizations18
as a leader in the field of education; and19
WHEREAS, Dr. Parker considered education to be a lifetime endeavor, and he20
attended training and classes at Tulane University, Peabody College of Education and21
Human Development, the University of Kansas, and the University of Maryland; and22
WHEREAS, after his tenure as president, Dr. Parker was named President Emeritus23
and he remained vitally interested and active in the life of Southeastern Louisiana24
University, attending events and inquiring as to the state of the university and offering his25
assistance; and26
WHEREAS, Dr. Parker is survived by his wife of more than sixty years,27
Peggy Faciane Parker, his sons, Brian and Stephen and their families, and his daughters,28
Karen Parker Ellis and Robin Parker and their families; and29 HLS 14RS-4952 ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, Dr. John L. Crain, the current president of Southeastern Louisiana1
University, remarked that Parker's "lifelong commitment to education serves as an2
inspiration for us all".3
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the4
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the5
death of Dr. Clea Edward Parker, former president of Southeastern Louisiana University,6
and does hereby record for posterity enduring appreciation for his lifetime of outstanding7
contributions and achievements. 8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his9
beloved wife, Peggy Faciane Parker.10
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Broadwater HR No. 138
Expresses condolences upon the death of Clea Edward Parker, former president of
Southeastern Louisiana University.