Kelli Parks

Assistant Director of Admission
Kelli Parks

Hometown:  Huntington, WV

Education: BA in Criminal Justice and Minor in Psychology, Marshall University

Favorite TV show to binge watch?  Umm, not much of a TV person! Give me college basketball, football or softball on TV.

Favorite D-Hall dessert?  Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Favorite RVA restaurant?  Does Cracker Barrel count? Jk, Hibachi Box

Biggest travel-related phobia? Being Alone

Coke or Pepsi?  Both, they both provide the caffeine

Favorite music genre?  Country

Favorite part of the application? Reading student’s personal essays and learning who they are as a person through their writing.

Who would play you in a movie? Jennifer Garner, both raised in WV so she gets it.

What is the coolest architectural feature or piece of architecture on campus? Why?

This is more of a location, I enjoy standing on the hill outside of Boatwright Memorial Library looking at the lake, Tyler Haynes Commons and the gazebo. It just brings a feeling of “Wow, I work at such a beautiful place!”

If you could take any class at UR, what would it be?

PLSC 323 – Money, Politics and Prisons

If you could go back to college and major in a different subject, what would you pick? Why?

Nursing so I could be a Nurse in the prison system. Sounds fun right?

What is one piece of advice you’d give students for the college search/application process?

Be authentic and true to yourself. Embrace your individuality, and don’t be afraid to showcase your authentic self in your application and essays. If you feel it in your gut then trust it.

Let’s talk about RVA. What do you like about living here? What are your favorite things to do in the city/region? What should visitors be sure to check out?

I love the fact that you can explore completely new and different things in a matter of 2 hours from the city (mountains, beach or DC). Richmond has natural beauty, parks and the James River that gives you the opportunity to relaxing or get involve in recreational activities. I would check out any of our local restaurants, you won’t be disappointed.