Michael Parker is a native of South Dakota.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in social work and sociology from Sioux Falls College, and a Master of Science - Social Work Degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University.  His professional practice includes community mental health and family and children’s services.

Dr. Parker has taught in both graduate and undergraduate social work programs at universities in South Dakota, Arizona, Illinois and Missouri. His primary teaching areas include research methods and social welfare policy.

He has considerable experience in educational administration.  He has served as interim dean of the College of Health and Human Services for two and one half years and has served as associate dean of the College of Health and Human Services for 10 years.  

Dr. Parker's current scholarly interests include migrant farm workers, volunteerism and welfare reform. He has published several articles in leading social work journals.