By Draven Dabrowski

Sports Writer

Once a student covering sports for the university, Rob Parker returned to his alma mater Saturday, Oct. 4, as the university dedicated the Jess Dow Field press box in his honor during halftime of the Homecoming game. 

The dedication marked a full-circle moment for Parker, whose journalism journey began right here in New Haven. 

“40 years ago, I never dreamed about having my name on the press box here,” Parker said. “But I enjoyed my time here, and I’m proud to be an alum.” 

Parker graduated from the university in 1986 with a degree in journalism and went on to become one of the nation’s most recognizable sports journalists. 

During his time as a student, he wrote for Southern News and interned at the New Haven Register, WTNH and WELI radio, gaining experience that would help him throughout his career in print, radio and television. 

It was at Southern News where Parker said he found his “starting point” and developed the skills that prepared him for his career. 

“The first day on campus, I signed up for the Southern News and loved every minute of it,” Parker said. “Writing for the Southern News gave me time to build as I got better.” 

After graduating a semester early, Parker’s career took him to some of the largest media platforms in the country. 

He became the first Black sports columnist at the Detroit Free Press in 1993, and later became a prominent voice on ESPN, Fox Sports Radio and MLB Network.

At halftime, students, alumni and Parker’s family and friends turned their attention to the video board where a recorded message of Parker played. 

He expressed his gratitude to the university and credited mentors like Jerry Dunklee, a journalism professor at the time, for helping guide him early in his career. 

“They taught me how to do it the right way. Journalism is still important. It’s something I still practice every day. No matter what I am doing, it is a part of my life,” Parker said. 

Athletic Director Terrance Jones said the naming of the press box was a good way to show the work that Parker has done for the university. 

“Rob Parker is Southern,” Jones said. 

“The success he’s had through the challenges he’s faced is synonymous with what we want to teach our young people,” Jones said.

Interim President Sandra Bulmer shared a similar message, saying Parker is a stellar human being who has a lot of people that support and love him. 

“He has really set the new territory for journalism, especially as a Black man,” Bulmer said. “He really has made so many opportunities available for people.” 

In 1990, he established the Rob Parker Award to recognize outstanding student sportswriters. In 2008, he received the university’s Outstanding Journalism Alumni Award. 

The newly named press box stands as a visible reminder of Parker’s journey from a student reporter to nationally recognized voice. 

From Southern News to some of the top newsrooms, Parker’s legacy now lives in the university’s history forever.