The Montgomery College art gallery was recently named to honor the efforts of longtime community leader and former Lone Star College System (Lone Star College System) trustee, Mary Matteson-Parrish. A number of college and community leaders, as well as friends and well-wishers, were on hand to witness the unveiling of the Mary Matteson-Parrish Art Gallery. It was the first time that Montgomery College building space was named after an individual.
“I’m tremendously humbled,” said Matteson-Parrish during the ceremony. “My association with the college district has been a very special experience. The success of the college district has been the hard work of so many dedicated people--college employees and community members alike. I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
Matteson-Parrish’s commitment to improving access and enhancing the educational opportunities for citizens led to the growth of the college district boundaries to encompass from six to 11 independent school districts, and the expansion of services and facilities from three campuses to five comprehensive colleges: North Harris College, Kingwood College, Tomball College, Montgomery College and CyFair College.
Matteson-Parrish served on the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees from 1993-2005. During her tenure, she served as board chair, one term as vice chair, one term as secretary and audit committee chair.
She also served as co-chair of the citizen’s committee that successfully conducted a petition drive and election campaign that permitted the Conroe Independent School District to join Lone Star College System in 1991. That effort also led to the creation of Montgomery College in 1992, and the completion of the college’s comprehensive campus on College Park Drive in 1995.
During the ceremony, Matteson-Parrish was recognized and profiled by several college officials, including Dr. Tom Butler, president of Montgomery College; Dr. John Pickelman, chancellor of Lone Star College System; and Randy Bates, chair of the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees.
“We are tremendously excited to have our gallery named in her honor,” said Dr. Butler. “The Mary Matteson-Parrish Art Gallery has a nice ring to it. It is a fitting tribute to someone who has played such an important role in the history of the college, as well as the entire college district.”
At its March 1 meeting this year, the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the gallery in her honor.
The ceremony also included an unveiling of the board’s resolution for the naming honor, and a permanent bronze plaque that will hang in the art gallery. Additionally, U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, though unable to attend, arranged for the event to be noted in the Congressional Record. A framed notice of the Congressional notation was presented to Matteson-Parrish by members of Congressman Brady’s staff.
Matteson-Parrish has participated in and provided leadership and support for many civic, business, political and community development groups, including initiatives associated with the arts. She was formerly the director of custom home sales for The Woodlands Development Company, and is a “pioneer” resident of The Woodlands. Her family was one of the first 25 families to move to The Woodlands in 1974. She is married to Norman Parrish.
Montgomery College is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000 or visit montgomery.lonestar.edu.
NHMCCD, among the five largest and fastest growing community colleges in Texas, comprise, Cy-Fair College, Kingwood College, Montgomery College, North Harris College, Tomball College, six satellite centers, and The University Center.