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SALISBURY, MD---ºÚÁÏÍø junior marketing major Josiah Parker has proven himself as a leader in multiple student organizations on campus.

Now, he will represent more than 170,000 of his peers throughout the University System of Maryland (USM) as one of two student members of the USM Board of Regents. His year-long term begins Saturday, July 1.

“I wanted to get a feel for what I could do,” the Prince George’s County native said, describing what attracted him to the position. “I want to see a level of diversity, equity and inclusion in the USM, and I want to represent the SU brand, ‘Make Tomorrow Yours.’ I also want to see our campus and community live up to that ideal, succeeding as individuals and thriving as an institution.

“I hold great pride in being appointed by Governor Wes Moore, the first Black Governor of Maryland. This not only gives me a purpose, but allows me to help others find their purpose and their life vision. As a Student Regent, I look forward to investigating new degree programs that aren’t offered that could intertwine with students’ skillsets, bring the creativity out in people that takes them on a fun journey to find what they want to pursue in the future.

“I also want to incorporate my leadership skills through motivating and inspiring others, in addition to increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the University System of Maryland to be the best in the nation. It’s that passion and vision that motivates me to achieve great things.”

Parker also plans to be an advocate for transfer students from Maryland’s two- to four-year institutions, following his own successful transition from Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) to SU. He is proud that both SU and AACC have been ranked among the nation’s best higher education institutions.

As a member of SU’s student NAACP chapter, Black Student Union, SU Multicultural Alliance, Sociology Front, Philosophy Club, Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO), Marketing Excellence Club, Best Buddies program and Food for the Flock initiative to fight student food insecurity, as well as a past commentator for SU Athletics’ Sea Gull Sports Network, Parker is ensconced in the University community.

Through his USM role, he hopes not only to serve as a positive influence for his fellow students, while also advocating for increased graduation and enrollment rates, but to learn more effective communication strategies and gain a better understanding of policies and academia — traits he believes will be useful in his plan to pursue his M.B.A. at SU after his expected graduation in 2024.

Learn more about opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.