Dr. Parker Kennedy

Professor
College of Humanities and Sciences

jkennedy@umhb.edu
Heard 213
UMHB Box 8376
(254) 295-
Curriculum Vitae (Résumé)

Dr. Parker Kennedy has been involved in Education field for the past 22 years. He taught First Year Experience and Education courses at Gallaudet University, the world’s only liberal arts college for Deaf and hard of hearing. He participated in the test accommodation committee to ensure that accommodations for diverse needs were being implemented. Early in his career, he taught American Sign Language (ASL) courses at Northern Eastern University, Boston and North Harris College, Houston.

Dr. Kennedy has been involved with various deaf education research projects. One of the main research projects at the time was studying the transitions from secondary schools and Deaf programs to postsecondary education.

In completing his doctoral studies in Postsecondary Education, Dr. Kennedy’s dissertation analyzed the satisfactory rate of Deaf first year college students at Gallaudet University. The study reinforced the university-wide issues regarding to retention and shaping first year students’ collegiate experience.

Dr. Kennedy resides in Austin with wife and two sons.

Subjects Taught
American Sign Language (ASL), Education, Deaf Culture, Deaf Studies & First Year Experience
Degrees Earned
Ph.D., Education (Capella University); MS, Deaf Education (McDaniels College); BA, Psychology (Gallaudet University)
Research Interests

Preparing hearing students utilizing sign language in their professional field.

Assessing hearing students’ success in ASL

Identifying and addressing the necessary prerequisite skills for Deaf and ASL-user students transitioning to college

Transitions from secondary schools and Deaf programs to postsecondary education.