At 87 years old, former university president Clea E. Parker passed away in North Oaks Medical Center on April 15, leaving behind a legacy of successful ventures and teaching.
Parker served as the university’s president from 1968 to 1980, during which he oversaw the construction of the Humanities Building, Teacher Education Center, Health and Physical Education Building, Athletic Building and the University Center.
Family, friends and past colleagues gathered in remembrance at the funeral mass held on April 21 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond. Norman Jones Stafford, Parker’s life-long friend, dictated the eulogy during the service.
“I think Clea loved Southeastern from the time he was a freshman until he passed away last week,” said Stafford. “Clea experimented and tried new things. His warm and friendly disposition served him well and resulted in strong legislative support for Southeastern problems.”
Stafford and Parker shared more than 50 years of memories and a love for teaching and Southeastern. During Parker’s presidency, Stafford served on the elected Board of Trustees for the university.
During his leadership, the university experienced enrollment growth of more than 40 percent and made the transition from a college to a university. Parker was also able to increase professor salaries.
A 1948 graduate of Southeastern, Parker was the first alumnus to become president. After earning a Bachelor’s of Arts degree at Southeastern, he went on to attain the Master of Education and the Doctor of Education degrees from Louisiana State University in 1952 and 1965.
Before serving his terms as university president, Parker  worked as Professor of Education and Head of the Department of Student Teaching at Nicholls State University.
 Throughout his life Parker received several awards and honors, and was recognized as the “Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.”
“Clea served Southeastern until his retirement in 1980,” said Stafford. “Somebody sent me an old newspaper article from 1980, announcing his retirement and the headline said, ‘Dr. Parker’s presidency, marked by excellence.’ Dr. Parker resided over some of Southeastern’s most prosperous years.”
A Louisiana native, Parker was born and raised in St. Tammany Parish. According to Stafford, Parker “wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” but into a big family with a modest income. Stafford described Parker as being respectful and respected, honest, a good listener and always the perfect gentlemen.
“You look at all the work that Clea did, and it’s not bad for a country boy, not bad at all,” Stafford said. “He did many things in service to man, but he did not neglect his service to God.”
Also in attendance was Parker’s daughter, Robin Parker, director of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives in Auxiliary Services.
Upon retiring from presidency in 1980, Parker continued working in education as the Educational Liaison at the Louisiana State Department of Education. Additionally, he served as an Educational Evaluator on the Louisiana State Board of Education.
In concluding the eulogy reading, Stafford affirmed Parker’s faith in God and dedication to the church.
“He lived a Christian life and loved his church,” said Stafford. “Clea, you have led an exemplary life, and you will be missed. May God bless you and keep you in his presence
forever.”