Dr. Parish received his Doctor of Education, Education Leadership, from the University of Georgia, and his Master of Education, Administration and Supervision from the University of West Georgia. Prior to that, he obtained his Master of Education, Administration and Supervision, as well as his Bachelor of Science, Health and Physical Education, from Georgia State University. Dr. Parish was a finalist for Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2008, and was on the University Council for Educational Administration Excellence in Educational Leadership in 2012. His professional affiliations include the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the Georgia Field Directors Association. Dr. Parish has over 40 years of experience in K-12 and higher education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, human resources director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Prior to joining the Coastal Georgia faculty, Dr. Parish served as a faculty member in the educational leadership department, and as Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement in the University of Georgia’s College of Education. His is a past-president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association, he has served as the Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, and he is a past member of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Board of Directors.