Marvin Parks

Nov 29, 1872 - Dec 29, 1926

A president of Georgia College, originally called Georgia Normal and Industrial College (GNIC), for 22-1/2 years. He worked to make GNIC separate and distinct from the male state colleges, with its own curriculum. He was successful and the college became a 4-year independent women's college. Its name was changed to Georgia State College for Women (GSCW), starting a series of name changes over the years.
President Parks’ life came to a tragic end. While visiting Tampa, Florida in 1926, Parks was struck by a car as he tried to cross the street. A train quickly returned his body to Milledgeville and GSCW hosted his funeral in the newly dedicated Richard B. Russell Auditorium on January 2, 1927. His gravestone mimics Parks Hall, located on the college campus and named in his honor.

Side: East, Section: C