Parker honored by Kennesaw State University Alumni Association

Published 11:00 am Thursday, February 6, 2025

Dalton City Administrator Andrew Parker has been honored as one of Kennesaw State University’s “40 Owls Under 40.” The inaugural group of Kennesaw State alumni includes leaders and innovators working in more than 18 Georgia cities and across the country.

Parker is a 2010 graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) which became part of Kennesaw State University in 2015. Parker graduated with a degree in civil engineering. The “40 Owls Under 40” class includes five SPSU graduates.

“It’s an honor to be selected alongside the other incredible alumni who are making contributions to their communities throughout Georgia and throughout the country,” Parker said. “It’s a really incredible list of alumni that were selected, and it’s really special to be part of the inaugural group.”

After graduating from SPSU, Parker returned to the Dalton Public Works Department where he’d started working during his summers as a Murray County High School student. Starting in 2010 as a project manager, he was promoted to assistant director in 2014 and then to department director in 2019. Two years later, he was named city administrator. In addition to his engineering degree, he holds a number of advanced and specialized engineering and public works management certifications including being a licensed professional engineer in Georgia. He’s a graduate of Leadership Dalton-Whitfield and Leadership Georgia.

“On behalf of the City Council, we could not be more proud of Andrew and we are so pleased that Kennesaw State is acknowledging him,” said Mayor Annalee Sams. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the work that he does. The educational preparedness that Andrew Parker received from Southern Polytechnic, which is now Kennesaw State, has really paid dividends to the city of Dalton and we’re so fortunate to have the expertise that he brings to the job.”

Parker was quick to point out the recognition shines a spotlight on the work the city staff have done as a team. The networking opportunities that come from being part of the “40 Owls Under 40” class will be valuable for the city moving forward.

“It’s a great thing to be able to bring some recognition to the exciting things that we have going in Dalton as part of my role, and also to what a great community we have that supports the projects and initiatives we’re working on,” Parker said. “I’m excited to meet the other alumni who have been selected.”

Candidates for the honor were evaluated on their professional achievements, community involvement and commitment to the university. The Alumni Association had more than 400 nominations.

“The true measure of value for any university lies in the impact of its alumni,” said Kennesaw State President Kathy S. Schwaig. “This first class of 40 Owls Under 40 is filled with leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, civil servants and innovators. We are proud to call them our own and know they will continue to have great impact through their work and service.”

To learn more about the program and the 40 honorees, visit https://www.kennesaw.edu/alumni/events-programs/40-owls-under-40-honorees.php.

Submitted by the city of Dalton. Material from Kennesaw State’s press release on the “40 Owls Under 40” is included.