Dr. Jerry Parker helped lead the charge to bring a community college to Chester County when none existed.

Now, the institution he leads has grown to serve more than 28,000 students each year in both Delaware and Chester counties, with nine locations that offer 33 associate degree, 17 transfer degree, and 33 certificate programs.

In honor of his accomplishments, Parker, who is president of Delaware County Community College, will be inducted into the Chester County Business Hall of Fame at the 2017 Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) Business Achievement Award Dinner on Thursday, March 30 at the Phoenixville Foundry.

The award recognizes Parker’s outstanding endeavors and achievements within the business community.

“Our county has evolved into one of the most high-tech in the state; Dr. Jerry Parker and Delaware County Community College were integral to that achievement,” said Gary Smith, CCEDC President and CEO. “By spearheading programming that combines technical training, a community college education, and corporate training skills, Jerry has been instrumental in ensuring our community’s students have the real job skills needed to fuel our region’s economy.”

After growing up in Pennsylvania’s coal country, Parker attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., and landed his first job as one of the first recruiters of male students to Vassar College. Among his achievements was recruiting minority students from the Philadelphia area, an experience that would later fuel his interest in making a community college education accessible and affordable for all students.

Parker went on to attain is Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Wisconsin.

The Business Achievement Award Dinner includes a cocktail party, program, and dinner. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or for more information, contact Kathy Field at 610-321-8217 or kfield@ccedcpa.com.