KU names new director of University Honors Program

LAWRENCE — The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Kansas has named Sarah Crawford-Parker as the next director of the University Honors Program.

Crawford-Parker will come into the role with 15 years of experience in undergraduate education at KU, overseeing crucial programs and initiatives to enhance retention, persistence and completion rates for students.  She currently serves as assistant vice provost for the KU Office of First-Year Experience, and has also served as a special assistant to the provost, and associate and assistant director of the Honors Program.

As assistant vice provost for First-Year Experience, Crawford-Parker has overseen several signature KU programs, including Hawk Week, KU Common Book, Orientation and the First-Year Seminar Program. Through various roles, she has supported advancements in online education, experiential learning and curriculum. Crawford-Parker also has experience as an academic advisor and instructor, teaching art history and first-year experience courses.

“I am excited to appoint Sarah Crawford-Parker to this role. Her broad background in creating innovative learning environments and cross-campus collaborations has made significant impact in the experiences and opportunities for a diverse population of KU students,” said Clarence Lang, interim dean of the College. “I look forward to seeing how she will continue to enhance students’ academic connectivity and experiential learning opportunities through her oversight of the Honors Program.”

Crawford-Parker completed a Ph.D. in history of art in 2006 at KU, where she also completed a master’s degree in history of art. Her bachelor’s degree is in art history and history from the University of St. Thomas. She has served on numerous committees at KU, including the Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Collaborative and the National Survey of Student Engagement Steering Committee. She has published and presented frequently on first-year education practices from a variety of perspectives, including student retention, teaching and inclusivity.

“I am honored to step into this role with the opportunity to build upon the program’s strong reputation for academic excellence. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and program alumni to develop structures and opportunities that enable every student to thrive and surpass their own expectations,” Crawford-Parker said.

Crawford-Parker will begin as director of the Honors Program starting July 14. She succeeds Bryan Young, who has served as director since 2014. Young will return full time to his position as associate professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering.

The search committee was chaired by Nicole Hodges Persley, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion in the College.

The Honors Program is one of the oldest and most prestigious public honors programs in the country. Honors faculty and staff are dedicated to providing the feel of a small liberal arts college within the thriving, opportunity-rich atmosphere of a large research university. In its latest edition, “A Review of Fifty Public University Honors Programs” awarded KU's University Honors Program a 5 out of 5 ranking, making the program one of only 11 honors programs nationwide to receive a perfect score.

The Honors Program, which serves students across the university, is housed within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The College is the heart of KU, educating the most students, producing the most research and collaborating with nearly every entity at KU. The College is home to more than 50 departments, programs and centers, as well as the School of the Arts; School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures; and School of Public Affairs & Administration.