Rick Parker

Rick Parker is the current Director of Research Facilities at Georgia State University. Rick has over 20 years of experience in mechanical engineering, and has spent the last decade working in higher education.

Rick began their career as a project manager for the Ivey Mechanical Company, where they worked on commercial construction projects such as the Gwinnett Arena and Ballroom, a new county prison, and new University housing. In 2005, they transitioned to Georgia State University, where they served as a mechanical engineer for six years. During their time at Georgia State, Rick was responsible for managing new construction and major renovations on campus, including the $150 million Petit Science Center, the chiller and cooling tower addition to an existing classroom building, and the build-out of Collabtech, a wet lab incubator space.

In 2011, Rick was promoted to Director of Research Facilities, where they oversee all research facilities on campus. Under their leadership, Georgia State University’s research facilities have flourished, attracting top talent from around the world.

Rick Parker received a Master's degree in Facilities Planning and Management from Georgia Tech and a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina. Rick also attended Westside High School.

They are on a team with Kelly Stout - AVP, Research Operations and Special Initiative, Yuriy Lukinov - AVP, Research Solutions, and Gary Brennaman - Business Manager, Research Foundation. Rick Parker reports to Tim Denning, VP, Research & Economic Development.