Vol State lost one of its
most engaged and engaging professors this week. Parris Powers, associate
professor of Chemistry, passed away after suffering a stroke. It is a
devastating loss for his family, and especially his two children, Christian and
Summer. It is heartbreaking for his colleagues, so many of whom called Parris
friend. And his students, the thousands of students from classes, research
projects and study abroad trips over the last 25 years; they have been posting
remembrances from across the country.
“He was the best
professor anyone could ask for. I learned so much from him. Not just chemistry
and science. He guided all his students and mentored them,” said Virginia
White. “He showed more passion about the subject than anyone I have ever met.
He was the essence and example of a teacher and the kind of teacher I wish to
be. I wish I had time for at least one more question.”
“Professor Powers had the
unique ability to make such an individual investment into his students that he
made each of them think they were his favorite,” Genna Batchelder said. “He
cared not only about your grade in his class but your future and your interests
and how those two things could intertwine.”
“Mr. Powers truly cared
about me,” said recent graduate Seth Walker. “He would always do whatever to
ensure my success. He was very down to Earth. We talked sports all the time! He
was one of the best professors at Vol State. The college has lost a jewel.”
Parris’ death is a
profound loss for the science and educational community. He began his journey
at Vol State in 1991. His specialty was organic chemistry and organic
synthesis. His passion was igniting passion for learning in his students. He
did that in many ways, most recently helping to lead the undergraduate research
initiative at Vol State. The pictures tell the story. He waded into streams
with his students to take water samples, showing them proper scientific
techniques for collection. That research eventually went on to include hundreds
of Vol State students. For many of them it was their first time actually doing
scientific research. That was the point. The Community College Undergraduate
Research Initiative (CCURI) gets community college students excited about
research, helping them gain new perspective in their science classes.
The water
quality study results didn’t sit on a shelf. Parris partnered with storm water
treatment professionals in Sumner County and state environmental groups. The
research adds to the body of knowledge as decisions are made that impact all of
us.
His mentoring of research
students led to a number of awards. Vol State Math and Science students took
top honors in a student competition at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the
American Chemical Society (SERMACS) in Nashville. Vol State was the only
community college to compete and the Vol State students beat out more than
eighty other students from universities across the South. Emmy Davis of
Hendersonville, Nicole Gammons of Mt. Juliet, and Phillip Martinez of Lebanon
received the first place award in the Organic Chemistry Division for their
research presentation titled “Investigations of Green and Microscale Methods in
the Synthesis of Several Flavones.” Chemists from all over the region did the
judging.
"Parris Powers has
been a great friend and colleague over the years,” said Kenyatta Lovett,
assistant vice chancellor for Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Community
College Initiatives. “Even in my role at TBR, we have engaged in great
discussions on how to expand the opportunities for our community college
students. His approach to teaching and student development can be witnessed in
the outpour of gratitude and appreciation being expressed by current and
previous students. His mission to advance the adoption of community college
undergraduate research has impacted students and faculty across this nation.”
Dedication. Parris
personified the word. But his work wasn’t reserved only for those bound for a
science career. Parris organized the Vol State Science and Math Expo with
science and math faculty members for 15 years. The annual event brought in
hundreds of secondary school students to the Vol State campus for hands-on
science and math activities. And it was Vol State students designing and
carrying out those activities. For Parris it wasn’t just an event, but part of
his deep desire to share the excitement of science with people of all ages.
“I was fortunate to
occupy the office next to his and I am so grateful that he was there for me
every day to talk and provide invaluable insight and goodwill,” said Vol State
associate professor of Biology, Robert Carter. “He was brilliant, honest,
thoughtful and a really fun guy. I cannot possibly describe how important he
was to so many people and how many lives he changed in our classrooms.”
“Professor Powers was an
outstanding educator who was dedicated to student success,” said Vol State
president, Jerry Faulkner. “On a couple of occasions I was present when
his students were presenting. He absolutely glowed with pride in the
students accomplishments. He set a high bar for academic rigor but did
everything possible to help students achieve at their highest. His involvement
with the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative allowed him to
make contacts on a national scale. Condolences are pouring in from across
America.”
Parris Powers
Visitation:
Saturday, July 2, 2016, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Memorial Service:
Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
Calvary Chapel
1001 Willis Branch Road
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
(615) 851-3088
