Dr. Gilbert Parks, Jr.
Associate Professor of Political Science
A.B., University of the South
M.A., Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, administered by Tufts University and Harvard University
M.A.L.D., Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy,
administered by Tufts University and Harvard University
Office: 114 Boreham Business Building
Phone: (479) 979-1229
E-Mail: rgparks@ozarks.edu
At Ozarks, the name "Parks" is synonymous with dedication -- Gilbert Parks has challenged his political science students to achieve their full potential since 1964 when he first joined the Ozarks faculty. Fresh out of graduate school, he hadn't actually planned on a teaching career; he says, "I did not make that decision until I encountered young people who wanted to shape their world and were willing to take the risk of change. At that time, I believed I had the right intent, motives and sufficient knowledge and skills to create positive and dynamic learning relationships." Parks has done just that. His courses are a mix of professor-student dialog that makes his students think beyond the obvious and understand how Political Science prepares them to be responsible and effective citizens of their society and the world. His fellow faculty members recognized the impact of Parks' teaching and he was awarded the University's Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Member award in 1988 and again in 1992.
One might wonder what it is about Ozarks that has impassioned Parks for -1856all these years. His answer? "I have never met the same student twice or has the same day occurred twice. There is more opportunity to explore and restructure how we live together in this community than I ever imagined possible. As I travel and talk to colleagues across this continent, I can only wish for them the freedom of thought and expression I find here for my students and myself." He is quick to list the lessons his students have taught him: "I have learned that they are the learner and that I need to internalize that reality. I have also learned that there is no 'they' and that each person has an orientation to experience that is separate from cultural conditioning. Most of all, I have learned to get up from the floor and try again after getting my arrogant legs kicked out from under me. Finally, when a student says 'we' have a problem, I know that the student probably was the first to find the synthesis."
Parks has high expectations and hopes for his students. When asked what he hopes they will take with them from their experience at Ozarks, he says, "Ecce Quam Bonum is a simple answer to this question. I hope you will think enough of yourself to find out what it means and accept nothing less from your endeavors. This 'motto' is the mission of my undergraduate college and I hope that it has become the mission of my students." When asked what things he, himself, would do differently if he could be 18 again, Parks replied, "I would do everything differently and enjoy the new puzzle. Certainly, there are basic orientations and accidents shape our options, but clearly I have made blind choices. I am enjoying this puzzle of a millions of pieces, but I don't think I would want to repeat this life. I think my motive to learn would produce other patterned outcomes equally challenging, positive and frustrating."
Parks says his inspiration for life comes from these things: "I am inspired when a student takes a risk, endures the pressures and demands that go with accomplishing that vision and comes away from the endeavor having grown intellectually to the point that the next step takes them to a new vision. To see creation recreate is breathtaking. The reach beyond the expected once again convinces me humans can learn to be creative in a positive way." In his spare time, Parks says he enjoys dialogue with close friends and wandering around in the woods, letting what comes up next take him for a day into exploring the forest around his home and elsewhere. He says, "A good book, deep and cool pool of water and the sounds of woodland splashing around me are as complete as it gets."
