Sterling College will welcome Dr. Hence Parson as the speaker for the annual Peacemakers Convocation. Parson is an award-winning leader in the Hutchinson community and retired faculty member for Hutchinson Community College. His address, “Understanding Cultures,”​ will take place on Friday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. in Culbertson Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

“I anticipate our students will greatly benefit from Dr. Parson and the lessons he has to share. One purpose of Peacemakers Convocation is to bring in speakers who are building up diverse communities as they work to break down barriers due to race and socioeconomic status. I believe all of our students will learn something from Dr. Parson’s experience in these areas,” said Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs.

Parson served Hutchinson Community College for over 40 years, most recently as the social science department chairperson. He was named HCC Educator of the Year in 2001 and was given the Golden Dragon Award for excellence in teaching in 1996. During his time at HCC, he taught a variety of courses including Fundamentals of Sociology, Social Problems, Cultural Diversity, and Marriage and Family.

Parson has received the NAACP Leaders Award and Southwest District Award. He has a long history of involvement in the community, including the Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson, the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hospice, and serving as a deacon for over 30 years at Second Missionary Baptist Church. He holds a doctorate from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.