Aby Parsons, director of the LGBTQIA Resource Center, announced her departure from Georgia Tech on Tuesday. Parsons, named the inaugural director of the resource center when it opened five years ago, will be working as the diversity and inclusion manager for Georgia Power.

“My colleagues in the Division of Student Life and I are very appreciative of Dr. Parsons’ work over the past five years,” said John M. Stein, vice president for Student Life and Brandt-Fritz Dean of Students Chair. “She has developed a thriving center that meets the needs of our students, faculty, and staff through the Center’s trainings, events, programs, and advocacy. Aby has positioned the center for a bright future. The next director will reap the benefits of all her dedication, hard work, and commitment.”

“I want to join all of my colleagues in thanking Dr. Parsons for her tremendous leadership of Georgia Tech’s LGBTQIA Resource Center from its humble beginnings to its present level of impact on our campus in just five short years,” said Archie Ervin, vice president for Institute Diversity. “Because of her efforts, Georgia Tech is a much more inclusive and welcoming community, and she will be missed as a colleague and friend.”

Through her efforts, the center has trained more than 2,000 students and employees; raised more than $85,000 in philanthropic support from alumni, faculty, and staff; celebrated the accomplishments of more than 100 Lavender Graduates at their annual spring graduation program; and developed collaborations with campus ministries, the Counseling Center, Women’s Resource Center, Health Initiatives, Pride Alliance, the African American Student Union, the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and many others through the 20 programs offered through the center.

"While I am excited for this next step in my professional journey, it's incredibly tough to be leaving Georgia Tech,” said Parsons. “When I arrived here, I could not have anticipated the support I would receive from students, faculty, staff, and alumni. I am so proud of all that we've accomplished together, and so grateful for every person who contributed to the success of the Center by attending our events and trainings, donating funds or other gifts, collaborating with us, promoting our work, or volunteering.”

A national search, co-led by the Division of Student Life and Institute Diversity, will be conducted to find the next director of the LGBTQIA Resource Center.