Annual Maxine Bell Education Award Winner Announced
Release Date: Thursday 2025-01-09
TWIN FALLS, ID – The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Board of Trustees recently named Dr. Richard Parker as the 2024 recipient of the Maxine Bell Education Advocate Award. Dr. Parker is a former full-time faculty member at CSI. Although he retired in 2005, he has remained active in his service to the College and the educational community across the Magic Valley. Dr. Parker continues to serve as a part-time faculty member at the CSI Mini-Cassia Center where he teaches biology, agriculture, and general education. He is also the published author of several books and peer-reviewed articles. Through all of his accomplishments, Dr. Parker notes that he is most proud of the many students and colleagues he has mentored during his decades of service to education. Dr. Parker was recognized with the award at the December 2024 meeting of the CSI Board of Trustees.
Created by the college in 2022, the award recognizes individuals who have been diligent supporters of education in Idaho and whose lifetime contributions merit recognition. The award is named after former Jerome Representative Maxine Bell in honor of her contribution to education in Idaho, including during her time in the Idaho House of Representatives and as Co-Chair of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. Several deserving nominations were reviewed by members of the college staff prior to the finalist being forwarded to, and approved by, the CSI Board of Trustees. The criteria for selection as an award winner include evidence that contributions are significant as an advocate for education within the public sector of Idaho, evidence that contributions have been sustained over time, and evidence that the contributions have markedly improved education within Idaho, and specifically the region served by the College of Southern Idaho.