Mary Jo Parker
Mary Parker is an accomplished educational leader and Executive Director at the University of Houston-Downtown, where she also serves as a faculty member in the Natural Sciences Department. With over 16 years of experience in higher education, Mary has dedicated her career to fostering academic excellence, mentorship, and career readiness for underrepresented students in STEM. She leads the Scholars Academy, an academic unit focused on providing scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare students for successful STEM careers.
Throughout her career, Mary has demonstrated expertise in educational management, nonprofit organizations, instructional design, and fundraising. She has successfully managed numerous grant-funded initiatives, including awards from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, the Department of Education, and NOAA, totaling several million dollars in support of STEM student development. Her work emphasizes closing learning gaps, enhancing student retention, and promoting career-ready skills, including soft skills, service learning, and community engagement.
Mary holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction/Technology from Baylor University and an M.A. in School Health/Community Health from Sam Houston State University. Her professional journey includes leadership roles at Rice University and Conroe ISD, where she honed her skills in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and science education. Known for her collaborative approach, commitment to student success, and passion for STEM education, Mary continues to inspire the next generation of scholars, educators, and scientists.
• Baylor University - Ed. D
• Sam Houston State University - MA
What do you attribute your success to?
Dr. Parker attributes her success to hard work, perseverance, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining reliable data systems, understanding institutional metrics, and continuously improving program effectiveness. Her dedication to verifying and correcting data has positioned her as a trusted authority across the university. Dr. Mary Jo Parker’s primary areas of expertise include higher education leadership, STEM education program development, student recruitment, grant writing, data analysis, and academic assessment. As Executive Director of the Scholars Academy at the University of Houston Downtown, she oversees complex scholarship programs, mentored research initiatives, and collaborative academic partnerships that support undergraduate student success. Dr. Parker brings 17 years of experience in higher education, including 16 years at the University of Houston Downtown, where she advanced from Director to Executive Director. Her long-term tenure reflects sustained leadership, institutional knowledge, and measurable impact on student outcomes. One of Dr. Parker’s most notable achievements is her direct influence on 395 students who participated in mentored research programs under her leadership. Of those students, 127 earned master’s degrees or MBAs, 113 earned PhDs, and 96 pursued medical professions. She also played a key role in sustaining and advancing a 26-year-old STEM scholarship program, joining it during its 10th year and helping guide it through long-term growth and measurable success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Dr. Parker identifies her mother, Petra Garcia Dilli, as her first and most influential role model. A single mother in the 1950s who navigated significant societal barriers, her mother demonstrated resilience, determination, and independence. This early influence shaped Dr. Parker’s work ethic and commitment to overcoming obstacles through perseverance.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Dr. Parker advises young women in higher education and STEM to persevere, follow their passion, and remain committed despite challenges. She emphasizes that meaningful impact comes from long-term dedication and staying aligned with one’s purpose, even when progress feels slow or recognition is delayed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Dr. Parker identifies a major challenge in higher education as ensuring data accuracy and meaningful assessment, noting that institutions often rely on flawed formulas or misunderstood metrics. However, she sees strong opportunity in using data responsibly to drive student success, secure funding, and demonstrate real outcomes, particularly in STEM education and research-based programs.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Dr. Parker values integrity, perseverance, accuracy, and service. In her professional life, she is deeply committed to student success and institutional accountability. Personally, she values resilience and honoring the legacy of those who paved the way before her, particularly within her family. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Parker enjoys wire sculpting and creative writing, pursuits that allow her to express creativity and balance the analytical nature of her work. These creative outlets provide reflection and renewal alongside her academic leadership role.