Rate My Professor Tracy Parker

Under Dr. Parker's stewardship, the Paralegal Program transformed into the college's fastest-growing initiative from 2001 to 2004. She led a thorough curriculum overhaul, adding eight new legal specialty courses and revising three existing ones to address evolving industry demands and employer expectations. Dr. Parker founded the Paralegal Advisory Committee, Paralegal Student Association, and vital partnerships with Maryland Legal Aid and the Bar Association of Frederick County. These advancements secured national approval from the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and authorization for a Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) chapter, the national paralegal honor society. As the sole full-time faculty in the program, she delivers over 70% of legal specialty courses, manages adjunct faculty, schedules classes, develops content and assessments, and coordinates with college administration. As advisor to the Paralegal Student Association, she oversees Pro Bono Day events delivering free legal services to more than 400 Frederick County residents, extending to Washington County, alongside resume workshops, mock interviews, and book exchanges. Program graduates attain positions in Frederick, Hagerstown, Rockville, Bethesda, Baltimore, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Florida, New York, and Kentucky, while others transfer to law schools including Georgetown University Law Center, University of Maryland School of Law, and George Washington University Law School. External reviewers have lauded her leadership, dedication, and the program's robust community ties and internship-to-employment pipeline. On sabbatical, Professor Parker advanced state-wide legal services connectivity efforts.