World Languages Department Mourns Loss of ASL Teacher Matthew Parkhurst
Matthew Parkhurst in online meeting, May 2024.
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our inaugural American Sign Language teacher, Matthew Parkhurst, over the summer. Parkhurst was our first teacher of ASL, who brought great joy and energy to his beloved language. He was with us for too short of a time, just two semesters, but his legacy lingers.
During his career, Parkhurst taught at the U of A, City College of San Francisco and the University of San Francisco. Renowned for his expertise, he interpreted in educational, legal, medical, religious and entertainment settings. Most notably, he interpreted for such artists as Pat Benatar, Macy Gray, Pattie LaBelle, Third Eye Blind and Cyndi Lauper. He also served as the ASL coach on the film set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
Prior to his academic and interpreting career, Parkhurst served in the United States Navy. As his family states, there "he embraced the values of dedication and service." Indeed, his military experience "informed much of his disciplined yet passionate approach to his career and personal endeavors."
As we can attest in World Languages, Parkhurst was very passionate about ASL. He had a tremendous joy and inclusive spirit that motivated him to promote ASL to its fullest both within our department and across campus. Because of his strong start to the program, we will continue offering ASL during the 2024-25 academic year. Nikki Cherry has recently been hired to continue Parkhurst's legacy in our department.
Parkhurst is survived by a tremendous family network that includes his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Brendan Wallace; his son, Ryan Thurman; siblings Patty Fitchert, Cheryl Kasper, Steve Parkhurst, Debbie Parkhurst, Vickie Lajoie, Holly Beausoleil and Charles Parkhurst; grandchildren Ryla, Gabe, Cedrych, Beckett and Lillian; and his beloved dogs, Riley and Wyatt.
A U of A scholarship fund for students in the ASL community is in the works. An announcement will be made at a later date.
Topics
Contacts
Linda C. Jones, chair and professor
World Languages, Literatures and Cultures
479-575-7608,
lcjones@uark.edu
Headlines
Music's Jeffrey Allen Murdock Named U of A's 2024-25 Cambridge Fellow
Murdock, professor of music and director of Arkansas Center for Black Music, has been selected as the recipient of the Visiting Fellowship at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge.
Kwame Presents Research on Virtual Reality at Prominent Engineering Conference
Seyram Kwame, an international master's student in operations management, is the lead author of a recently published article on virtual reality and its role in developing soft skills in individuals.
Stigler Lecture Event for Underwater Archaeologist Ashley Lemke
Lemke, former chair of the Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology, will talk about the the rich ancient record of hunter-gatherers left submerged in the Great Lakes at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Christian and Muslim RSOs to Host Sixth Peace Feast
The Muslim Students Association and InterVarsity, both registered student organizations, will host the sixth Peace Feast at 1 p.m. Saturday starting at the United Campus Ministry, 902 W. Maple St.
Researchers Publish Breakthrough Study on How New Genes Evolve
Biological scientists at the U of A propose a new model for understanding how new genes and novel functions can originate through recycling and innovation of “junk.”