Courtesy of UNA Faculty and Advising

A portrait of Dr. John A. Parnell.

With over thirty years of experience in academics, John A. Parnell joined the UNA faculty to teach doctoral students within the Executive Doctor of Business Administration program.

The EDBA program is for students who wish to pursue a degree past their masters degree; the program requires a minimum of 54 post-masters credit hours and a dissertation proving students have an expert knowledge of problem-solving and content knowledge.

Parnell became involved after he learned about the program during his previous position at UNC-Pembroke. He said, “I have always had a passion for applied, rigorous research—a centerpiece of the EDBA—so I eagerly accepted when offered an opportunity to join the UNA family.”

Michael Davidson, a doctoral candidate in the EDBA program at UNA, said “Unlike traditional Ph.D. programs, which focus largely on theoretical advancement, the EDBA model prepares experienced professionals to conduct practical, impactful research grounded in real-world challenges.”

He found himself drawn to the program during his admissions interviews. He said “The faculty involved in admissions clearly cared about selecting a cohort of experienced, intellectually curious individuals – not just filling seats.”

Having Parnell in the faculty proved to Davidson that UNA’s EDBA program had a “strategic investment in academic quality.”

Alongside the EDBA program, Parnell works as a professor in Management in the Sanders College of Business and Technology. His interest in management came from an interest in the social system of free enterprise, or capitalism. “It eradicated poverty and created a standard of living in much of the world previously accessible only to the upper crust.” Parnell said. His interest in the business aspect came from his enjoyment of working in organizations and a desire to become a thought leader.

Parnell is also an Eminent Scholar, which he uses to help advise his colleagues. He said, “Besides my work with the EDBA program, I maintain a strong research program and assist my colleagues—especially younger faculty—in developing their research and navigating the publication process.” He finds working with his fellow UNA colleagues enjoyable.

Davidson said that faculty like Parnell elevate the university, in both an academic and personal sense.

“The impact of that presence is multiplied in programs like the EDBA, where students bring decades of professional experience to the table and are seeking meaningful, intellectual partnerships with their professors.” He said.

Davidson is inspired by Parnell’s commitment to empowering his students. “He has a rare ability to meet students where they are – whether they come from C-suite roles, academic backgrounds, or entrepreneurial ventures – and guide them forward with rigor, empathy, and intellectual precision.”

Parnell conveys a respect for his students, along with his commitment to excellence and passion for teaching.

“Many are inspired and energized when they see a professor who has something to offer in the classroom and wants to engage them in the learning process.” He said, “I want them to uncover their passions and discover ways to leverage their careers to fulfill them.”

His students inspire him when they are curious and engaged, starting discussions and sparking debates.

He said, “I am inspired when students are informed, think critically, and challenge conventional wisdom in ways that improve their lives and society.”

Davidson said that Parnell exceeds in his position due to bringing together the best of academic rigor and practical application.

”What makes him exceptional, especially in a program like the EDBA, is that he knows his students are already accomplished professionals. He respects that experience and elevates it by providing frameworks, context, and constructive feedback that push students to think differently.” He said.

Davidson said that Parnell’s mentorship extended outside of the classroom. Together, Parnell and Davidson worked together to develop and publish a peer reviewed work with fellow professor Dr. S.W. Davenport. The article was published in the Journal of Ethics in Entrepreneurship and Technology. Davidson said that their article not only reflected his personal interests but also “the critical feedback, academic grounding, and encouragement Dr. Parnell provided throughout the writing process.”

Parnell teaches several classes within the EDBA program, including discovering applied research and how to develop applied research skills. He has several published intellectual contributions and a Ph.D. degree in Strategic Management. Parnell is also an author of two textbooks on Strategic Management and Crisis Management.

For any grad-students interested in the EDBA program, a contact sheet is located on the UNA website. Parnell also offers several courses in marketing outside of the program, for grad-students interested in strategic management or policy.