Randy Parry
Past President

Email: Randy.Parry@RuralLearningCenter.org

 

What I do at the RLC: I was President of the Rural Learning Center from its creation in 1999 as MCCR through Janaury of 2011.  Though I'm stepping down from the President role, I'm going to stay very active in the RLC's work as a consultant for local economic development projects, including the construction project currently taking place on Main Street in Howard.

 

Hometown: Canistota, SD

About Me: Rural has always been a guiding part of my life. I grew up on a farm near Canistota, South Dakota, where my father taught me the virtues of hard work and responsibility through our family feed business. I earned degrees in education and economics from the University of Sioux Falls, and began teaching in the Howard Public Schools after graduating in 1970. From 1970 to 1995, I taught business and computers in Howard and also coached boys and girls basketball.  From 1995-1999, my work in the schools shifted while I served as the Rural Resource Director and Technology Coordinator.  In 1999 I retired from teaching to follow my passion for community development work, taking on the position of Executive Director of Miner County Community Revitalization (which later became the Rural Learning Center).  I have a wonderful, understanding wife, Linda, two children, and five grandchildren. Both of my children are educators in South Dakota, one in Arlington and one in Sioux Falls.