Parkhill reflects on first year as Alumni Association's board chair
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu
In July 2021, Tina Parkill, ’93 marketing, became the new chair of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. As she closes in on year one of her two-year term, she sat down with STATE Magazine to introduce herself to readers and reflect on her time as chair so far.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you ended up at OSU?
I was born and raised in the small town of Clayton, New Mexico, by a single mother who instilled in me a tremendous independent spirit. The pressure to succeed was extremely intense because I was on my own after graduation and the first female in my family who would attend college. I evaluated a number of universities, but OSU was at the top of the list.
What were some of your favorite things about your time at OSU?
Greek Life and campus involvement were at the center of most of my activities outside the classroom. Having been a part of Kappa Delta
sorority and a number of other organizations on campus, I really enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow students. I also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in leadership roles in other campus groups like Panhellenic Council, Business Student Council and Russian Club.
What made you want to stay involved after graduation?
I have always credited my experiences at OSU as being a huge influence in my transition to adulthood. My personal development and growth can be attributed to mentorship from professors, advisors and peers. These relationships honed my leadership and life skills and empowered me to approach the world with a completely different lens. The opportunity to stay engaged with alumni and students at OSU was a given for me.
How does it feel to be the chair of the OSU Alumni Association’s Board of Directors?
Being selected as board chair for the OSU Alumni Association is one of the most amazing experiences in my volunteer career. I am honored and humbled to lead and serve alongside such an intelligent, talented, passionate and dedicated Board of Directors.
In your view, why should alumni be members of the Alumni Association?
The primary goal of the Alumni Association is to provide engagement opportunities to enrich the alumni experience, creating lifelong connections. My experience at OSU was a transformative part of my life. It propelled me from being a naive young kid to preparing me for a professional career beyond college. The support I received from numerous alumni who came back to campus as mentors transformed the trajectory of my life. Being a member elevates our students’ experiences and provides opportunities to stay connected to the Cowboy family forever.
Photo by: provided by Tina Parkhill
Story by: Will Carr | STATE Magazine