Darnell Parker Appointed Director of Multicultural Affairs

Chestertown, MD, August 30, 2006 — Washington College has announced the appointment of Darnell Parker as the new Director of Multicultural Affairs.

As director, Parker will work with students, parents, and other members of the Washington College community to explore and appreciate the cultural diversity on campus and in Chestertown. Through programs, lectures, and collaboration with other campus departments, Parker hopes to establish an open forum for students to discuss issues associated with diversity.

"The first step in understanding cultural diversity is to begin an exploration of what diversity means to each person" Parker says. "These crucial dialogues will occur within the classroom, residence halls, and on the playing field, and I am excited to be here at Washington College, working with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents as these conversations unfold."

Born and raised in New Jersey, Parker previously oversaw the freshman division of the Office of Residential Life at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, before joining Washington College. He holds a bachelor's of science degree in social work and psychology and a master's degree in social work from Syracuse University. He worked in the Office of Residential Life and Office of Multicultural Affairs at Syracuse as well, and interned as a school social worker in the Syracuse Public School System.