Virginia Union University's Head Football Coach, Dr. Alvin Parker, has been named to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

Parker is among five head coaches named to the AFCA Board of Trustees.  Clark Lea of Vanderbilt University, Mike Bloomgren of Rice University, Jay Norvell of Colorado State University and Jason Simpson of the University of Tennessee at Martin join Parker on the Board.

"I am looking forward to serving and very excited to be a part of such a distinguished group," said Parker.  "The AFCA has a great legacy, and any time you are selected by your peers it means much more. I am humbled and honored to serve as an AFCA Board of Trustees Member."

Parker completed his sixth year leading his alma mater and turned in one of the best seasons in school history. Virginia Union went 10-2, won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title and appeared in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Parker has a 40-13 overall record at VUU with two straight appearances in the Division II playoffs. A former running back for the Panthers, Parker began his coaching career at Virginia Union in 1999 as an offensive assistant. He coached running backs for two years, then became the offensive coordinator for the 2003 season. Parker moved on to Elizabeth City State in 2004 and spent 12 years as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. In 2016, Parker became the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at St. Augustine's before returning to VUU in 2018. 

Also serving on the Board in 2024 are: Steve Ryan, Morningside University; James Franklin, Penn State University; Dave Clawson, Wake Forest University; Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw State University; Mike MacIntyre, Florida International University; Maurice Linguist, University at Buffalo; Kane Wommack, University of South Alabama; Mike Babcock, McKendree University; Randy Bates, University of Pittsburgh; ex officio member and chairman of the Assistant Coaches Committee; Van Malone, Kansas State University, ex officio member and chairman of the Minority Advancement Committee; Michael Christensen, Carson (Calif.) High School, ex officio member and chairman of the High School Committee; and Scott Strohmeier, Iowa Western Community College, ex officio member and Junior College representative. AFCA Executive Director Craig Bohl serves as secretary-treasurer of the organization.