Oakland University alum Dana Parke named inaugural recipient of Pi Sigma Alpha Young Alumni Award

Oakland University alum Dana Parke has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Pi Sigma Alpha Young Alumni Award, a national honor recognizing early-career excellence in political science. Parke was chosen from 20 highly qualified nominees from colleges and universities across the country.

Parke graduated from Oakland University in 2013 with a triple major in International Relations, African Studies, and French Language and Literature. As an undergraduate, she studied abroad for a semester in Senegal, was the Outreach Editor for Pi Sigma Alpha’s Undergraduate Journal of Politics, and co-authored peer-reviewed publications — accomplishments that reflected both her academic drive and global perspective.

Dana Parke with Professor Matthew Fails (Photo courtesy Terri Towner)

“Dana was one of those students you don’t ever forget — a unique combination of intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and compassion and concern for the broader world around her,” said Matthew Fails, Ph.D., professor of political science. “How she managed a triple major, studying abroad for a semester in Senegal, and co-authoring peer-reviewed publications as an undergraduate is a mystery to me, but I’m so fortunate that our paths crossed. Watching Dana achieve such professional success is so rewarding as a faculty member. I can’t think of a single other student who better exemplifies Oakland’s values, and it is deeply satisfying to see her recognized on this national stage.”

She was nominated by Nicole Mathew, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, who submitted a compelling letter outlining Parke’s journey from undergraduate excellence to international leadership.

Since graduation, Parke has built an impressive record of leadership at the intersection of public health, global development, and housing equity. She has worked at Henry Ford Health in Detroit since 2013, starting in its Global Health Initiative department, where she led international medical education and research programs in Haiti, India, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and Ghana, and later managed COVID-19 vaccine trials. She also received her Master of Arts in International Development from the University of Denver, where she received the full-tuition Sié Fellowship and studied housing in South Africa.

Since 2021, Parke now leads initiatives to address social determinants of health locally among Henry Ford Health’s primary care patients, with a passion for housing.

Her work has helped secure more than $2.7 million in funding to provide home safety repairs to prevent falls among older adults in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Detroit. The initiative was recently published as a case study by the World Health Organization. In addition, Parke has authored numerous policy publications focused on global health, women’s rights, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure worldwide.

Despite her global impact, Parke has remained deeply connected to her alma mater. She has mentored students, served as a keynote speaker at induction ceremonies, judged student research symposia, co-taught a graduate course in the School of Health Sciences, established an endowed study abroad scholarship in memory of her host father from her time in Senegal, and most recently joined the Donna and Walt Young Honors College Board.

“I am so deeply honored and grateful to be the inaugural recipient of the Pi Sigma Alpha Young Alumni Award,” Parke said. “This recognition is a testament to how the experiences, skills, and connections I gained at Oakland University led me to where I am today. For example, my study abroad in Senegal gave me fluency in French and international experience that equipped me for my global health career.

Dana Parke with Professor Terri Towner (Photo courtesy Christina Walker)

“My OU professors particularly impacted my journey — in addition to honing my analytical and research skills, they gave me advice and made connections that pointed me to Henry Ford Health and to pursuing my Masters at the University of Denver,” she added. “Because of OU, I have a career that I am proud and passionate about, improving health and housing outcomes at home and abroad. Having received so much from OU, it’s important to me to remain an active alumna and give back to my community.”

As part of this national recognition, Parke delivered the keynote address at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 28, 2026. Her keynote was titled, “Determinants and Determination: Building a Career to Improve Health and Housing Equity at Home and Abroad.”

“I am incredibly proud that the first recipient of this national award is one of our students,” said Terri Towner, Ph.D., professor of political science and president of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society. “Dana exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our students and alumni: academic excellence, civic leadership, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.”

Parke’s selection as the inaugural Young Alumni Award recipient not only highlights her remarkable professional accomplishments, but also reflects Oakland University’s enduring commitment to preparing graduates who lead with purpose — locally and globally.