Dr. Allen Parrish Selected as Vice President of Research and Economic Development

---

Posted on February 12, 2025

Lance Crawford

---

---

Dr. Allen Parrish, who leads one of the University of Alabama’s signature research institutes, has been named vice president of research and economic development at the University of South Alabama, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent announced today. He begins April 1.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Parrish to South,” Kent said. “His experience and depth of knowledge will be a major asset to the University as we continue to grow research activity in our journey of becoming a top public research institution.”

President Jo Bonner said the announcement reaffirms South’s status as one of the region's preeminent universities. “Enrollment continues to grow, more students are choosing South from all over the country and internationally and now Dr. Parrish will add to our momentum by elevating research at the University of South Alabama,” Bonner said.

Parrish has served as the executive director of the Alabama Cyber Institute, a senior workforce development adviser for the Alabama Transportation Institute and a professor of computer science at the University of Alabama.

“I am delighted to launch a new chapter in my career at the University of South Alabama,” Parrish said. “This opportunity will allow me to explore ways to help shape the culture to embrace research and economic development as critical drivers and expand South’s impact.”

Dr. Parrish’s experience includes roles as the interim vice president for research and economic development at Alabama from 2023 to 2024 and executive director for the Alabama Transportation Institute.

He also served as associate vice president for research at Mississippi State University and as a professor and chair of the department of cyber science at the United States Naval Academy.

Parrish received his Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of Tennessee, Martin. He holds a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in computer science from Ohio State University.

He is married to Dr. Regena Parrish. They have two adult children, Aubrey and Andrew.

---