Parke, Ahlrich’s commitment to student success at MC has earned each the title ‘Champion’

Stephanie Carmicle-Davis presents plaques to Ivan Parke, left, and Drew Ahlrich honoring their selection as 2024-25 Student Success Champions.

The Office of Student Success at Mississippi College has named Ivan Parke, MC professor of Christian Studies and Philosophy, and Drew Ahlrich, MC associate director of undergraduate admissions, 2024-25 “Student Success Champions” for demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting student achievement.

The awards recognize one full-time faculty member and one full-time staff member engaged with undergraduate and/or graduate students at MC for their exceptional activities that involve broad, collaborative participation supporting a sustained commitment to student success.

On March 21, Stephanie Carmicle-Davis, MC assistant provost for student success, presented plaques to Parke and Ahlrich honoring their achievement.

“Student Success Champions demonstrate strong relationship-building, advocate on behalf of students, encourage student engagement and have a passion for student well-being,” Carmicle-Davis said.

Parke and Ahlrich each received numerous nominations from MC students whose lives have been impacted by the Student Success Champions. For example, one MC undergraduate nominated Parke for the award because of how deeply he cares for each of his students.

“He demonstrates much sacrificial love, both inside and outside of the classroom,” the nomination read. “This year, he has shown great commitment to the cause of the Gospel through his interactions and care for others amidst (a) personal (health) battle. He seeks others out above himself, never missing an opportunity to make one feel seen.”

Another of Parke’s students wrote, “This man loves his students and helps them succeed, not only in class, but in the real world. He had encouraged me to aspire to not just live my life, but change the world. Dr. Parke has given me and many others an unvbelievable love for God and he does an incredible job building us up in Christ. So wise and yet so kind and helpful.”

A graduate of Baylor University, Parke obtained his M.Div. and his Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The Jackson resident joined MC’s faculty in 1998. Nominated twice as the Distinguished Professor from the School of Christian Studies and the Arts, he received the 2017-18 Student Government Association Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award. Parke is a sponsor of Shawreth Men’s Service Club and the author of “When Life Meets the Soul: Everyday Lessons from the Book of Job.”

Ahlrich, a member of MC’s Class of 2020, said receiving the Student Success Champion Award is one of the most meaningful moments of his five-year career at his alma mater.

“God used this University in incredible ways in my life when I was a student here, and it’s a privilege to be a part of His work at MC as a staff member,” he said. “I know during college that I had people in my corner who encouraged me, prayed for me and looked out for me when I needed it the most. (Now) I get the chance to (do) that for current students. It’s extremely special and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The Madison resident is responsible for recruiting students in Madison and Rankin Counties. He is involved in Shawreth Men’s Service Club, the Council, the Freshman Leadership Initiative Program, Mortar Board and Sigma Delta Tau.

In nominating Ahlrich for the award, one student referred to him as “the definition of a champion for student success.”

“He actively pours into the students at MC, acting as both a mentor and a brother in Christ to so many,” the nomination read. “He engages students on a personal level, seeking to know them as friends and guide them towards growth in Christ. Drew also seeks to engage and mentor students through their entire time at MC. Whether it is connecting with incoming students or acting as a sponsor for Shawreth, he is there for it all.”

This marks the third year the MC Office of Student Success has awarded Student Success Champions. Past recipients have included Ashley Krason, assistant professor of modern languages, and Taylor Hathorn, adjunct faculty in English, in 2022-23, and Beth Barlow, chair and professor of biological sciences, and Marcy Hutton, director of student-athlete development and compliance, in 2023-24.