Dec. 7, 2021
Dear NCCU Community:
I regret to inform you that we have lost a beloved member of the North Carolina Central University student community. Mr. Courtland Parker, a senior behavioral and social sciences major from Durham, N.C., passed away suddenly on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Courtland Parker is the son of NCCU faculty members Dr. Debra Parker, professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Dr. Freddie Parker, professor emeritus of History.
A stellar student, Courtland was consistently named to the dean’s list. Following his graduation in May 2022, he planned to enroll into a psychology graduate program with a goal of one day supporting individuals with mental health concerns. Courtland was also proud of his strong family legacy at NCCU, which included his brother Dr. Quinton Parker, a graduate of the Jazz Studies program and former assistant band director/music education coordinator, as well as his parents who both received their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from NCCU and have educated Eagle students for more than 75 years combined. His family and friends knew him to be a pleasant and considerate young man with a personality that could brighten up any room upon entering. He loved the culinary arts and the sport of wrestling.
The Counseling Center is available for students who would like to speak with a counselor and can be reached at 919-530-6106 and ask to be connected to the counselor on duty. The Office of Spiritual Development and Dialogue also has staff available for consultation at 919-602-6967.
Funeral arrangements for Courtland will be shared with the university community when available. Details regarding a campus vigil are forthcoming.
Please keep Courtland’s family, classmates, professors and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
In Truth and Service,
Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.
Chancellor
