Virginia Union University Athletics

Dr. Alvin Parker, a distinguished alumnus of Virginia Union University and native of Washington, D.C., was named the 27th Head Football Coach of VUU on December 18, 2017. As he prepares to lead the program into his eighth season in Fall 2025, Dr. Parker has cemented his legacy as a visionary leader, a proven winner, and an advocate for excellence both on and off the field. Since August 2021, he has also served as the University’s Associate Director of Athletics, further amplifying his impact on VUU’s athletic programs. 

Beyond his role at VUU, Dr. Parker is a prominent leader in the collegiate athletics community. He is a newly elected member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Board of Trustees, the President of the CIAA Coaches Association, and the Founder and President of Home Team Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to community enrichment and youth development. 

Dr. Parker’s tenure as Head Football Coach has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a 51-15 (.813) record, he boasts one of the highest winning percentages among active NCAA Division I and II coaches. His leadership has guided the Panthers to unprecedented heights, including consecutive CIAA Championships and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs—marking the first playoff victory in school history. Under his stewardship, VUU has also twice earned the prestigious Freddie Vaughns Award for the highest team GPA (2023, 2024), exemplifying his commitment to academic and athletic excellence. 

In May 2024, Dr. Parker was named the Black College Football Hall of Fame HBCU Coach of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a transformative figure in college football. The 2024 season marked his 25th year of coaching, during which he led the Panthers to a 10-4 record, a CIAA title, and a No. 11 final national ranking. His innovative "PLAY411" philosophy underscores his ability to develop champions both on the field and in life. 

In the 2024 season Parker’s offensive pedigree showed with the Panthers reaching new heights setting numerous school and conference records. The Panthers offense averaged 45ppg, nearly 500ypg, were #2 in the nation in pass efficiency (30TD), and had seven 500+ yard games.  

The 2023 season was equally historic, with the Panthers securing their first CIAA Championship since 2001 and earning multiple accolades, including 11 All-CIAA selections and two individual Player of the Year honors and Dr. Parker being named 2023 CIAA Coach of the Year. Dr. Parker’s emphasis on strategic vision, accountability, and innovation resulted in national rankings across 15 statistical categories and a return to the NCAA Division II Playoffs. 

The 2022 season was one to remember for the Panther, starting off 8-0 on the way to an NCAA Playoff appearance. The playoff game marks only the second time in history that VUU has hosted a playoff game. The Panthers finished the season at 9-2 with Dr. Parker being named CIAA Coach of The Year.  

Dr. Parker’s coaching journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the game. Over his career, he has developed All-Americans, shattered school records, and guided his teams to conference titles and playoff appearances. His ability to elevate programs is evident from his tenure at Saint Augustine’s University and Elizabeth City State University, where he orchestrated some of the most prolific offenses in NCAA Division II history. 

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Parker holds a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Sport Management from Northcentral University, a Master’s in Sport Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication/Journalism from Virginia Union University. He is also the author of Stronger Than Pride, a testament to his philosophy of perseverance and leadership. 

Dr. Parker resides in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, LaToya, he is the proud Father of son Alan and daughter Lani. His vision, dedication, and results-driven approach continue to elevate Virginia Union University and inspire future generations of student-athletes.