In a move set to bolster support for humanities disciplines within academic institutions, Lipscomb University recently announced the formation of the John Parker Humanities Society. David Holmes, the university's former dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, is spearheading the initiative, which aims to provide Lipscomb's humanities students with much-needed resources and mentorship opportunities. According to a statement obtained by Lipscomb's news service, the society will begin operating this fall, with Holmes at the helm, to eventually offer monetary awards by spring 2026.
Fueling their ambitions, the Parker Society is modeled on the successful J.S. Ward Society at Lipscomb, which supports students pursuing careers in the health sciences. The new society seeks to foster both academic and spiritual growth across English, history, and philosophy, with an emphasis on providing research funding, mentorship, and personal development avenues. "The society aspires to form a vibrant community of scholars, alumni, and faculty with commitment to humanities students," Holmes told Lipscomb's news service.
Dedicated to the memory of the late Parker, a cherished English professor and Lipscomb alum, the Parker Society will quickly offer awards for academic scholarship. These will recognize works, including non-fiction historical research and various written projects. Beyond these initial offerings, the society has its sights set on offering summer fellowships for on-campus research, further enabling close collaboration between students and faculty.
Holmes envisions an expanded role for the society, encompassing summer research fellowships in the broader community and the establishment of an annual Heroes of the Humanities Award Banquet. This event is envisioned to bridge the gap between alumni, faculty, supporters, and students in a celebration of outstanding contributions to the humanities. Parker was known for his extensive work, including scholarly articles and books like "The Gospel According to Shakespeare: 40 Inspiring Devotionals from the Bible and the Bard," published in 2023.
Through its endeavors, the Parker Society aims to promote the transformative power of the humanities. It will, as Holmes noted, further the university's mission "by promoting empathy, critical thinking and effective analysis through a rigorous Christian liberal arts education" by celebrating Parker's enduring legacy in education and his belief in the humanities' far-reaching impact.
