Debra Parrish facts for kids

Debra J. Parrish is an American academic leader. She was the president of Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College for nearly 20 years. She spent a total of 46 years working for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC).

Education

Debra J. Parrish earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Northern Michigan University.

Early Career

Parrish started working for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in 1972. Her first job was as a legal secretary. She also helped set up the first National Congress of American Indians meeting at the tribal center.

She worked in many different roles, including:

• Secretary and assistant for the Young Adult Community Corp (YAAC) program.
• Administrative assistant for the chairman's office.
• Working on Elderly Nutrition Programs.
• Helping to create the Ojibwa Seniors Gift Shop.
• Program coordinator for job training programs.
• Working in the business development office.

Parrish also helped create important community projects. She assisted with the Ojibwa Lanes and Lounge and the Ojibwa Industrial Park. She helped develop the Economic Development Corporation. She even volunteered when KBIC's Big Bucks Bingo was first set up. She was also an early manager of the Even Start Program, where she created an indoor play center for kids. This center is now part of the Pre-Primary Program.

In 1987, Parrish served on the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Council. She was also the secretary for the council. She was part of many committees, including those for hiring, powwows, economic development, and education.

Leading Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College

Debra J. Parrish is well-known for her work at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC). She spent nearly 20 years as its president. She was key in reopening KBOCC as a place for higher education. The college was first started in 1975 but closed in 1980.

In 1998, the Tribal Council gave Parrish permission to reopen KBOCC. It began in a small part of the Ojibwa Senior Citizen's center. By 2000, it had its own buildings in Baraga. Later, the college bought the old Baraga County Memorial Hospital for just $1.00. This building was renovated and became the Wabanung Campus, which is the main campus in L'Anse, Michigan.

Under Parrish's leadership, KBOCC grew a lot. She helped develop:

• The Little Eagles Center for four-year-olds.
• The KBOCC Child Care Center.
• The Pelkie Arts and Agricultural Center.

KBOCC also joined the American Indian Higher Education Consortium because of her efforts. She helped the college become fully accredited, which means it met high standards for education. She also worked on programs like Indian tuition waivers. She supported the Title III Higher Education Act, which helps colleges.

In 2013, KBOCC became fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This was a big achievement! In 2014, it became a Land-grant university. This status helps the college get funding for research and education.

On January 26, 2018, Debra Parrish announced she was retiring from KBOCC. She said she wanted to relax and spend time with her family. She was replaced by Cherie Dakota, and later by Lori Ann Sherman in August 2018.

Research Work

Parrish also received money from the Economic Research Service for important research. She studied the health and nutrition of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. This study looked at nutrition for families with young children.

Her research aimed to:

• Find out how common nutrition-related diseases were in tribal youth.
• Help reduce chronic diseases.
• Create programs that teach Ojibwe culture to encourage healthy lifestyles.

Personal Life

Debra J. Parrish has two children. Her daughter is Sharon Geroux. Her son, Rick Geroux, has passed away. A special scholarship was set up at KBOCC in his memory. Parrish also has seven grandchildren and has cared for twelve foster children.

See also

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