Debra Parrish facts for kids

Debra J. Parrish is an American leader who spent many years helping her community. She was the president of Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College for nearly 20 years. She played a big part in making the college a success.

Education and Early Career

Debra Parrish studied at Northern Michigan University. She earned a bachelor's degree there.

After college, she started working for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in 1972. She began as a legal secretary, helping with important papers. She also helped organize the first National Congress of American Indians meeting at the tribal center.

Parrish worked in many different roles. She helped with programs for young adults and assisted the chairman's office. She also worked on programs that provided food for elders. She even helped set up a gift shop for seniors.

Helping the Community Grow

Debra Parrish was involved in many projects that helped the community. She helped create job training programs. She also assisted with setting up new businesses, like the Ojibwa Lanes and Lounge. She helped develop the Ojibwa Industrial Park, which brought more jobs.

She volunteered to help start the Big Bucks Bingo hall. She also managed the Even Start Program. This program helped young children and their families. She even created an indoor play center for kids.

In 1987, Parrish was elected to the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Council. She served as the secretary. She worked on many important committees. These included groups focused on hiring, economic development, and education.

Leading Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College

Debra Parrish worked for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for 46 years. A big part of that time was spent leading the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC).

Reopening and Growing the College

KBOCC was first started in 1975 but closed down in 1980. In 1998, the Tribal Council gave Parrish permission to reopen the college. It started in a small part of the Ojibwa Senior Citizen's center.

The college quickly grew. In 2000, it moved into its own buildings in Baraga. Later, the college bought a former hospital building for just $1.00. They worked hard to fix it up. This building became the Wabanung Campus, the main campus in L'Anse, Michigan.

Parrish was key in developing several important centers. These included the Little Eagles Center for young children. She also helped create the KBOCC Child Care Center. Another project was the Pelkie Arts and Agricultural Center.

Under Parrish's leadership, KBOCC joined the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. This group helps tribal colleges work together.

Achieving Accreditation and Land-Grant Status

Parrish worked hard to make sure KBOCC was a top-quality college. She oversaw the college getting its official accreditation. This means the college meets high standards for education. In 2013, KBOCC became fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

In 2014, KBOCC became a Land-grant university. This special status helps the college get funding for research and education. It also helps them serve the community better.

Debra Parrish announced her retirement from KBOCC on January 26, 2018. She said she wanted to relax and spend time with her family. Lori Ann Sherman later became the new president of KBOCC.

Community Health Research

Parrish also helped with important research. She received money from the Economic Research Service. This funding helped her study the health and nutrition of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Her study looked at the eating habits of families with young children. The goal was to understand health issues in tribal youth. She wanted to help reduce chronic diseases. She also aimed to create programs that taught Ojibwe culture. These programs encouraged healthy ways of living.

Personal Life

Debra Parrish has two children. Her daughter, Sharon Geroux, lives in New Mexico. Her son, Rick Geroux, passed away. A special scholarship was created at KBOCC in his memory.

Parrish has seven grandchildren. She also cared for twelve foster children over the years.

See also

• List of women presidents or chancellors of co-ed colleges and universities