The campus community at Central Methodist University is sending off one of its finest leaders to assume the presidency of Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo.
Dr. Joseph Parisi, vice president for enrollment management and athletics at Central, will become Missouri Valley College’s 14th president.
Parisi, an MVC alumnus, has spent more than five years at Central and has led the institution’s significant enrollment growth over that time period, breaking enrollment records, improving CMU’s visual identity, and articulating the institution’s value propositions.
Parisi built the enrollment management umbrella at Central, and has brought transformational changes to all of his areas of responsibility, including CMU’s accomplished athletics department, which was also entrusted to his leadership.
“Dr. Parisi has contributed greatly to the mission of Central Methodist University,” said CMU President Roger Drake. “Our institution can take pride in knowing that we have played a significant role in preparing a leader in the academy. We wish the best for Joe and his family as they make the move.”
Drake said he would immediately begin a national search to replace Parisi, who oversaw CMU’s admissions, athletics, financial aid, international student affairs, and marketing communications offices.
“I have loved my time at Central,” Parisi said. “The rich tradition, the family atmosphere, and the collaborative leadership have all helped me prepare for this day.”
Prior to working at Central, Parisi served as vice president for enrollment management at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, where he earned his MBA and doctor of education degree. He received a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit administration and recreation administration at Missouri Valley.
Parisi and his wife, Brenda, have two daughters, Giavanna and Maleah.