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University of North Georgia (²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ) alumnus Brig. Gen. Charles "Rob" Parker retired this year after 30 years in the Army. The 1993 ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ graduate served in a variety of command positions, including his final role as commanding general of the U.S. Army 7th Signal Command (Theater) and deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command.

Prior to that assignment, Parker served as deputy director for command, control, communications, and computer/cyber systems for the Joint Staff out of the Pentagon. Parker also previously served within the Headquarters Department of the Army G-8 (resource management) as the director of joint and integration.

Parker said he was more focused on his own success early in his career before quickly realizing the importance of investing in others.

"I became more confident in myself and recognized I had a leadership model that others were interested in emulating," Parker said. "My ability to help share with others paths for success and building on their own strengths was rewarding."

Parker earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ.

²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ cadets plan and execute all of their events with oversight from the commandant staff. Parker said that model laid a solid foundation for his career.

"It allows you to start to learn about yourself and develop your own skills and traits. You really benefit from the time members of the faculty and military cadre invested in you as a cadet," Parker said. "You have been set up for success in ways others haven't been at ROTC programs at other universities."