June 5, 2025
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — Former ASU Mid-South athletic director Chris Parker has been named the inaugural commissioner of NJCAA Region 2. Parker, who helped launch the Greyhounds athletics program in 2010 and led it to national prominence, will officially step into the new role on July 1.
Parker spent 13 years at ASU Mid-South, where he served as athletic director and head men’s basketball coach. He was also the NJCAA Region 2 women’s director during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Greyhounds became a force in the NJCAA, making 10 consecutive appearances in the Region 2 championship game, claiming six region titles and two district championships, and earning national tournament appearances in 2018 and 2023.
“Chris Parker helped build our athletics program from the ground up—not just as a coach and athletic director, but as a leader who believed in the college’s ability to prepare students to meet both their athletic and academic goals,” said Dr. Debra West, chancellor of ASU Mid-South. “He set high standards for our student athletes, and his impact is still felt on our campus today. We’re incredibly proud to see him lead Region 2.”
During Parker’s time at ASU Mid-South, he also guided the college’s move into the Glen F. Fenter Athletic Complex, pioneered the state’s first electronic ticketing and livestreaming systems at a two-year college, and helped more than 40 student-athletes transfer to four-year institutions. He most recently served as director of athletics at Christian Brothers University in Memphis.
Region 2, which includes Arkansas and Oklahoma, has expanded from 12 to 25 athletic programs over the past seven years. As commissioner, Parker will oversee all aspects of NJCAA Region 2 athletics, including compliance, scheduling, championships, marketing and institutional support.
About Arkansas State University Mid-South
Arkansas State University Mid-South is a public two-year institution of higher education with an open-door admission policy, serving Crittenden County, Arkansas and the surrounding areas. The college is committed to enriching lives through high quality educational programming that fosters student success, workforce development and lifelong learning. For more information about ASU Mid-South, visit www.asumidsouth.edu.
About NJCAA Region 2
NJCAA Region 2 is part of the National Junior College Athletic Association and includes member colleges in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The region supports and oversees intercollegiate athletic competition among its member institutions, fostering student-athlete development through high-level competition, academic success and sportsmanship.
