Alvin Parker, head football coach at Virginia Union University, has been named the Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year.

The announcement came last month in a ceremony held in Atlanta. Parker recently completed his sixth year leading his alma mater, guiding the Panthers to a 10-2 record, a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title and an NCAA Division II playoff appearance.

A former running back for Virginia Union, Parker began his coaching career there in 1999 as an offensive assistant. He served as running backs coach for two years before becoming offensive coordinator in 2003.

In January 2024, Parker was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He also served as co-head coach for the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl.

“Thank you to the Black College Football Hall of Fame for this extremely prestigious award,” said Parker. “It is all made possible by having the best administration, the best staff and of course the best student-athletes. To be mentioned with some of the greats who have won this award is truly a blessing.”

Virginia Union will open its 2024 season at Kentucky State University on Aug. 31 at 3 p.m.