Dr. Mark Parsons started June 2 as interim vice president for Advancement & Alumni Engagement at St. Cloud State University, a position previously held by Nic Katona before his departure from the University in April.
Parsons’ career has included a variety of positions in higher education, philanthropy and religious organizations. He retired from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2019, where he was vice chancellor for university advancement and marketing, and executive director of the Stout University Foundation. Previously he served in various senior roles with institutions such as the Missouri Southern State University Foundation, the Minnesota Medical Foundation at the University of Minnesota, and Utah State University. He also spent part of his career within the United Methodist Church, serving in leadership, philanthropic and pastoral positions with several institutions.
Parsons became a member of The Registry following his retirement from UW-Stout and has completed several interim higher education and philanthropic executive interim assignments.
Parsons looks forward to leading SCSU’s Advancement & Alumni Engagement team as the University continues to be bold, innovative and focused on the future. His father was an alumnus, and Parsons feels joining the Huskies community is a fitting bookend to a career in higher education.
“I’m excited to introduce myself to #OurSCSU community, and look forward to connecting with everyone and hearing their ideas or how St. Cloud State can continue moving forward in an ever-changing higher education landscape,” he said. “I appreciate the warm welcome I’ve already received on campus, and can’t wait to get started.”
