Virginia Union University's Dr. Alvin Parker Named Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year
July 19, 2024
Virginia Union University (VUU) announces that its head football coach, Dr. Alvin Parker, has been honored as the Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year. This prestigious accolade was announced on Saturday, June 8, by the Black College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Parker, who has just completed his sixth year as head coach, led the Panthers to an extraordinary season. They posted a 10-2 record, won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) title, and secured a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs. His leadership and heart for mentorship have propelled the program to new heights.
A former running back for the Panthers, Dr. Parker began his coaching career at Virginia Union in 1999 as an offensive assistant. He quickly advanced, coaching running backs for two years before being promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2003 season.
His dedication to the program is evident in his long tenure and numerous contributions. In January 2024, Dr. Parker was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and served as co-head coach for the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl.
“Thank you to the Black College Football Hall of Fame for this extremely prestigious award," Virginia Union University football coach Dr. Alvin Parker said.
"It is all made possible by having the Best Administration, the best staff, and, of course, the best student-athletes. To be mentioned with some of the greats who have won this award is truly a blessing. As I always say, I’m doing my part for #PLAY411.”
Dr. Parker's passion for developing young men drives his coaching philosophy.
"My motivation is simply getting to do what I love. I love the game of football, and I love developing young men. I get the opportunity to do both daily,” Dr. Parker said.
“I am a product of VUU, which plays a part because I also get to do it for my alma mater."
Mentorship is the heart of Dr. Parker's approach as a coach. Because of the mentorship he received from his coaches, he looks forward to passing his experience and wisdom on to his players.
“At the end of it all, I want these guys to be great fathers, husbands, and just successful at life,” Dr. Parker said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Parker is focused on achieving even greater milestones.
"Some goals remain the same, but more than anything, we want to go to heights that VUU football has never been. I tell the guys all the time, let's go make history, but to do that, we must continue to work our best in both the classroom and the field,” Dr. Parker said.
"Working on a schedule where time management is very important shapes the type of players we are developing,” Dr. Parker said. “Being a student-athlete is tough, and as a coach, you must develop strategies that fit everyone in the program."
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches, and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Hall of Fame highlights the significant impact HBCUs have had on the sport of football and celebrates the achievements of its inductees.
Panther coaching staff strives to develop well-rounded student-athletes who are prepared for success in all areas of life as they prepare for the upcoming academic year and football season.
VUU will kick off the 2024 football season when the Panthers travel to Frankfort, Kentucky, to face Kentucky State University at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31.