Jimmie Lynn Brownson Parish – English, 1964

Jimmie Lynn Brownson Parish

B.A., May 31, 1964

English

                I had  wonderful times at USL! I began in the fall of 1960.  An early memory was the kind hospitality of the President and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Joel Fletcher. They lived on campus and hosted an outdoor reception in their garden for all incoming freshmen. During the four years I was there, I saw them on campus many times. The school was small, and that gave students a chance to know the faculty. I could not have asked for a better education and feel I was well prepared for the job market and later for graduate work. Particular teachers I remember with gratitude are Dr. Katherine Findley, Dr. Paul Nolan and Mr. John Bennett of the English Department and Dr. Poe of the Speech and Theater Department.

                Agnes Roth was Dean of Women. I lived in Buchanan Hall (women only) and had a housemother, Louise Blanchard. At that time, female students were not allowed to wear slacks on campus – only dresses or skirts. (How times have changed!). My roommate and I lived across from the gym, and when we had gym class, we had to wear a coat over our gym shorts to cross to the gym.

                Following graduation, I married George D. Parish, a ’59 graduate. We have lived in Radford, VA since 1970, where George teaches music at Radford University. We have two children, Mary Lerch, (30) who lives in Dallas, and David (27), living in Hammond.

                I completed a masters degree in Philosophy at Radford University, and I have been a licensed professional counselor in private practice for the past five years. I also teach as an instructor in Psychology at Radford University.

                “Hello” and best wishes to old university friends from whom I would love to hear.