The latest addition to our series of Alumni Council Q&As features Council member Parker Beatty ('17, MA '21).
Q: When did you graduate from Waynesburg University, and what was your major?
I graduated from Waynesburg in 2017 with my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. In addition, I graduated in 2021 with my master’s degree in Criminal Investigation.
Q: Where has life taken you since graduating from Waynesburg University?
Life has taken me many different places since graduation. Since graduating, I have had the ability to not only obtain a job in my career field, but have also had the opportunity to be on specialized teams and advance my career through training and education. Outside of work, my wife (Kimberly) and I enjoy taking on new adventures together! [Editor's note: Earlier this fall, Parker and Kimberly welcomed their first child, a son named Grayson Richard.]
Q: What is your current job/title, and what is your current location?
In my professional life, I am currently employed as an Adult Probation Officer in Dauphin County (PA). In my volunteer life, I currently serve as a member of the Board of Directors and hold the rank of Captain at New Cumberland River Rescue in New Cumberland, PA. We provide services for various types of emergencies, the main function being water rescue.
Q: Can you describe your typical day?
As a probation officer, there is no typical day. We wear many different hats, and with that being said, that is part of the job that I enjoy.
Q: Can you describe your time as a student at Waynesburg and how it shaped you as a person?
My time as a student at Waynesburg was truly life changing. Between the high-quality criminal justice education, and my participation on the baseball team, I learned many life lessons that I carry with me today. The motto “faith, learning and service” are all at the cornerstone of how I choose to live my professional, personal and volunteer lives.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a Waynesburg student?
My favorite memories as a Waynesburg student were the spring baseball trips to Florida. The opportunity to play high-level baseball and spend quality time together as a team provided fond memories and friendships that last to this day.
Q: Who was your favorite professor at Waynesburg, and why?
My favorite professor during my time at Waynesburg was Jim Tanda. His ability to share his experiences coupled with his knowledge of all things criminal justice provided a strong role model presence for me.
Q: Why is staying connected with your alma mater important to you?
Waynesburg University helped to shape who I am today and how I live my life. It provided me with a strong foundation. Staying connected gives me the opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of Waynesburg students.
Q: What does your role as an Alumni Council member entail, and what motivates you to give back to the University in this way?
Being an Alumni Council member is extremely important to me. As a member of the Alumni Council, I get the opportunity to provide feedback to the University and create new visions and ideas for the University for years to come.
Q: What advice do you have for current students? For recent graduates?
Current Students: Time will fly, so make sure you make all of the memories that you can. In addition, work hard, and success will come.
Recent Graduates: Life will continually throw curveballs in your direction. However, with the education and quality life skills that you obtained at Waynesburg University, you will be equipped to handle all of them.