The Shorthorn - Wyl Parker leaves after years of university contributions

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Wyl Parker leaves after years of university contributions

Written by William Johnson, The Shorthorn staff

Thursday, 21 January 2010 09:13 PM

Assistant Vice President of Housing and University Center Wylvan Parker will be retiring after 39 years with the University of Texas at Arlington in Februrary. (The Shorthorn: Michael Minasi)

For nearly four decades, Wyl Parker witnessed university enrollment double in size, six university presidents take office and buildings sprout up throughout on an ever-expanding campus. He now prepares himself for the next event in the university’s history: his own retirement.

“No one’s forcing me to leave. I just think it’s time to move on,” said the 66-year-old Management Services assistant vice president and Housing and Dining assistant director.

Parker was born in Detroit, Ill., where he resided for 27 years before moving to Texas with his wife Anita.

He and Anita, who have been married for 42 years, met at a fraternity and sorority mixer while at Bradley University.

Before arriving in Arlington, Parker served as the assistant dean of men at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. In 1971,

Parker became the assistant dean of student life at UTA. He briefly had an office in College Hall before moving to the then newly-completed Davis Hall. Throughout his tenure at the university, Parker managed to gradually expand his job role.

“People could ask me why I’ve been here for 39 years,” Parker said. “The thing is that I haven’t done the same thing for 39 years, I’ve had different responsibilities every six or seven years. That’s always been invigorating for me.”

Retirement reception

Where: University Center Palo Duro Lounge
When: 2 .m.-4 p.m.

Open reception

Eric Leidlein, Management Services executive director, worked with Parker for 21 years. In that time, he watched him take responsibility of Maverick Stadium, Texas Hall, the campus card operation and housing maintenance before that role was consolidated into Facilities Management.

“Wyl is a real asset to this university who has seen its tremendous growth.” Leidlien said. “He has been a big part of this university.”

He described his time with Parker as a reason why he has been with the university for so long. He also said Parker was a mentor throughout the years who possessed a wealth of knowledge.

Parker also noted the change in environment on campus through the years. He noticed the increase of school spirit and housing. Under his direction, the university achieved its goal of increasing its housing to cover 15 percent of the student body, the same amount as UT-Austin.

“When I first came here, the campus would be dead in the afternoon.” Parker said. “There is more of a collegiate environment around campus now. You can see blue and orange UTA shirts all around. When I first started, that didn’t happen.”

Parker’s goals after retirement include visiting every state in America, half of them remain on his list. He also wants to visit every presidential library and spend more time with his two sons.

The aspect of the university that he said he will miss most is the interaction with the students.

“I think it’s time to see what others can do,” Parker said. “I’ve done all that I can here.”
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