Southeastern Mourns with the Passing of Dr. Don (Doc) Parham
by SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC INFORMATION
October 18, 2008
The Southeastern family lost one of its most respected members Friday with the passing of Dr. Don (Doc) Parham. Dr. Parham passed away Friday afternoon in a Dallas hospital.
"We are deeply saddened by this news," said Southeastern Oklahoma State University president Michael Turner. "Dr. Parham served the University as an educator, coach, and administrator for 45 years. During that time, he helped countless students achieve their goals, while representing Southeastern in a first-class manner. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kay and the entire Parham family at this time."
Parham was associated with Southeastern for 47 years - two as a student, and 45 as a Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He served as the University baseball coach from 1965-80 and as Director of Athletics from 1970-2004. He was chair of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department for 29 years.
The Atoka native earned his B.S. at Southeastern, his M.Ed. at Oklahoma State University, and his Ed.D at George Peabody College. He retired in 2004 as Emeritus Professor and Director of Athletics.
"When you think of Southeastern athletics, you think of Dr. Parham," said Keith Baxter, the current SE athletic director who also served as head football coach at Southeastern under Parham. "He was a mentor to so many of us, and while athletics was important to him, academics were just as important. The University, the athletic department, our student-athletes, and the community have lost a great mentor and a great friend."
Parham's career at Southeastern spanned six consecutive decades. It started as a player when he captained legendary Savage coach Bloomer Sullivan's 1952 basketball team to a conference crown. He later served as assistant to Sullivan.
During his sixteen years as Southeastern's baseball coach, Parham's teams posted a 532-162 (76.8%) overall record, along with nine conference, seven district and three area championships. There were also three trips to the NAIA College World Series.
Under his leadership as Athletic Director, Parham led the University in its transition from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II. During his tenure, Southeastern athletic teams earned 11 Lone Star North Division championships, five overall LSC championships, and produced the school's first-ever national championship when the 2000 baseball team took the title. He was named a Distinguished Former Faculty member by the Southeastern Alumni Association. His baseball jersey is one of only six retired by the University.
Parham was selected to the NAIA National Hall of Fame, Southeastern's Athletic Hall of Fame, the Atoka High School Hall of Fame, the Eastern Oklahoma State College Hall of Fame, and the Lone Star Conference Hall of Honor. Funeral services for Dr. Parham will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Durant.