Coming Full Circle: Bringing Passion and Purpose Back to CTX Student Life

Arriyon Parker, Student Life Director at Concordia University Texas, has returned to campus with a mission: to pour back into the community that first inspired her journey in higher education. As a proud CTX alum, she brings with her a wealth of experience, a heart for students, and a vision for what Student Life can be.

Bringing Fresh Energy to Student Life

With a deep love for Concordia Texas and a drive to create meaningful student experiences, “I’m excited to bring fresh ideas and new energy to Student Life” Arriyon said. After graduating from CTX, she went on to serve as a program coordinator at Vanderbilt University, where she collaborated with faculty and led several impactful campus initiatives.

Now, she’s come full circle. "At CTX, I want to help build spaces where students feel connected, purposeful, and free to enjoy their college journey,” she said. "My goal is to make sure Student Life is about more not just events but also personal growth, community, and helping students become the best version of themselves.”

A Foundation Built at Concordia

CTX played a key role in shaping Arriyon’s calling. "My time on campus as a student gave me a deep understanding of purpose-driven work and I carried that with me into every role that followed.” Her experience at Vanderbilt helped grow her leadership skills and deepen her commitment to student engagement and inclusion.

“Coming back to Concordia Texas is more than a career move for me,” she said. “This is a return to the place that first ignited my passion for higher education. And now, I get to bring a new perspective and big dreams for ways that Student Life can support every student’s journey.”

New Projects on the Horizon

One of Arriyon’s first initiatives in her new role is Coffee & Connections, a monthly gathering held after chapel on the first Friday of each month. “This new program creates a relaxed space for students,” she said. “It’s about building community and connections with faculty, staff, and each other.”

Arriyon is also focused on making student clubs and organizations even better so every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated all year long. “From leadership opportunities to campus traditions to new ideas we’re trying out, I just want our students to have plenty of chances to grow, connect, and succeed wherever life takes them.”