Albany Herald

Albany Technical College President Anthony Parker and his wife Sandra stand in front of the newly dedicated library which bears Parker’s name. ATC honored the longest-serving president in school history Monday by naming the college’s library and media center for him.

ALBANY -- Albany Technical college honored longtime President Anthony Parker Monday by officially dedicating the school's library and media center as the Anthony O. Parker, Ph.D. Library and Media Center.

Dignitaries from Albany and the state packed the library for the ceremony, which honored Parker as the longest-serving president in ATC history.

"Certainly we should celebrate Dr. Parker's contributions to Albany Tech. He should be remembered," U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr., D-Albany, said. "Southwest Georgia and America are better off because of Anthony O. Parker."

The Albany Technical College Board of Directors voted to name the new library and media center for the college's president, who has dedicated the past 16 years to serving as the fifth president of the college.

"It is my privilege to honor Anthony Parker here today," said Ron Jackson, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. "I have a great deal of admiration and respect for him. There have been many times I have listened to his sage advice. His vision and direction have helped guide Albany Tech and the technical college system of Georgia.

"He is steadfast, a good leader and is a repository of wisdom."

Ivan Allan, president of Middle Georgia Technical College, then heaped praise upon his friend.

"I brought my two sons to today's ceremony to see a real man," Allen said. "All we really ever want to hear in life is 'well done.' Anthony, 'well done.'"

A native of South Carolina, Parker holds B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from South Carolina State University; an Ed.S. degree from Augusta State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.

"I have been blessed to have been surrounded by a lot of good people in my life, and all of them have helped me get to where I am today," Parker said. "I want to thank the board, foundation and senior staff for this honor. This is not usually an easy endeavor to make happen.

"But the turtle does not get on the fence post by itself."

After 16 years in Albany, Parker said he still looks forward to going to work every day.

"I am genuinely excited to get up and go to work each morning," Parker said. "But when 5:30 gets here, I an equally excited to go home to my family. I've been very fortunate professionally, with my family and in the community that has adopted me as one of their own."