SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Greg Parker, CEO of The Parker Cos. chain of convenience stores, has made a $5 million gift to the Georgia Southern University Foundation Inc., the single largest gift in the university’s history, to support its College of Business. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has approved the naming of the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University, with campuses in Statesboro, Ga.; Savannah, Ga.; and Hinesville, Ga.
“By making this gift to the College of Business at Georgia Southern University, I hope to make a lasting impact on the business community in coastal Georgia,” Parker said. “I truly believe in education’s power to transform lives and have a strong commitment to giving back to the community.”
The new funding will establish the Parker Business Scholars Program, Parker Business Scholarship Fund and Parker Faculty Support Fund.
The Parker Business Scholarship Program will provide personalized professional development and educational enrichment opportunities to a select group of students in the Parker College of Business. Implementation will begin in fall 2019. The Parker Cos., along with the dean of the college, will have direct involvement with the students.
The Parker Faculty Support Fund will support faculty members and their research.
“At Georgia Southern, we’re focused on student success and meeting the workforce needs of our region and the state,” said Georgia Southern University President Shelley Nickel. “This bold investment in our students will increase that effort and provide even greater opportunity for the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
Allen C. Amason, Ph.D., dean of the college, said the gift “will enhance the quality of teaching and learning and scholarly activities while raising the profile of the Parker College of Business and Georgia Southern University across the region, state and nation. This partnership is a significant step forward in preparing more highly qualified students for the workforce.”
Based in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s has 54 c-stores in southeastern Georgia and South Carolina. Parker's is No. 128 in CSP's 2018 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by number of company-owned retail outlets.
SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The Parker Cos. recently renovated its flagship convenience store in Savannah, Ga.’s National Landmark Historic District.
Outside, the site remains a throwback to the classic gasoline stations of the past, but inside, the store serves as tourist and motorist draw, satisfying the need for everyday needs, as well as a keepsake or two by which to remember the antebellum city.
There's also a variety of foodservice options, from standard c-store fare to Southern favorites.
Here's a look inside the site first opened as Parker's Market Urban Gourmet in 1999 ...
The renovation also involved moving the checkout area, upgrading lighting and replacing coolers, fixtures and finishes.
With 46 c-stores, Savannah-based Parker Co. ranked No. 132 on CSP's 2017 Top 202.
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