In Memoriam Robert William “Rob” Parker March 13, 1949 – November 23, 2019 When Robert William “Rob” Parker, TAEA Distinguished Fellow, entered a room the space was filled with his warm smile and laughter. Rob never met a stranger, always connecting in some way with everyone. He was a proud first-generation Italian American and a “fun guy.” Rob graduated from Sam Houston State and dedicated 40 years to art education in Brenham ISD. It is estimated “Mr. Parker” likely taught 6000 students during his career. He retired in 2012 and began a second teaching career at Christ Lutheran Christian Day School working with his “munchkins”, the preschoolers. Promoting art education and supporting art educators was his passion. Rob was an active TAEA member since 1980, working continually in many different positions. He served the organization as Area 4 Representative, Conference Evaluation Chair, TAEA photographer, Secondary Division Chair, Region 6 Representative, and Retired Division Chair. Rob was a certified Visual Art Scholastic Event juror, working at the regional and state level. He served VASE as a site director, juror foreman and member of the Blue Ribbon Board. His dedication continued as site coordinator for Region 6 Summer Regional Conferences and our first Summer “Senior” Symposium. No job too large or small for Rob, just ask and he was there to help. Rob was a life member of the Brazos Valley Art Education Association and National Art Education Association. His dedication to TAEA and art education is clearly evident. Rob leaves behind his immediate family and extended TAEA Family. This kind, loyal, dedicated, generous, “get it done” gentleman will be greatly missed. We are grateful for his contributions to art education.
Dr. Phyllis Knerl Miller Dr. Phyllis Miller was an ultimate art educator and a mentor to so many young art teachers wanting to come into the teaching field. She served as a professor of art education at the University of Houston for many years helping to grow students and the program. Dr. Miller was eager to share her vast knowledge, experiences and resources with her university students and members of her art association, TAEA. She was also a loyal member of Texas Art Education Association over the years. Dr. Miller was President of TAEA as well as a charter member of the TAEA Distinguish Fellows. She was selected for many honors during her career because of the rigorous work she did. She helped build our art association by advocating for the arts, serving on the TAEA board and mentoring board members. Her work with the Council at Large committee is legendary and she was our hero for testifying at the Capitol to promote art education. She not only talked to everyone about how important art can be, but she practiced it in her daily life. She was some gal and a friend to all. Phyllis was survived by her husband, William Miller, and three sons, Robert, John, and Steve, five grandchildren, and countless friends. They were with Phyllis at her home in Austin, Texas. As was her wish, she will be laid to rest near her parents in Ravenna, Nebraska. Her memory can also be honored with a donation to the TAEA Foundation Scholarship program or the Phyllis and Mudge Miller Scholarship Endowment at the University of Houston College of Education.
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