UA Computer Science Professor Named Fellow by CSAB

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Allen S. Parrish, computer science professor and director of the Center for Advanced Public Safety at The University of Alabama, was recognized as a Fellow of CSAB, the lead society for accreditation of degree programs in computer science, information systems, software engineering and information technology.

The CSAB Fellow Award is given in recognition of individuals who have given sustained, quality service to the computing profession and to computing education through the activities of CSAB.

CSAB has responsibility for the development of accreditation criteria and for the selection, training, and assignment of program evaluators within ABET, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that accredits college and university programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.

Parrish came to UA in 1990 to teach computer science. In 2000, he became the director of the CARE Research and Development Laboratory, or CRDL. Under his leadership, CRDL was elevated to center status and renamed the Center for Advanced Public Safety, or CAPS, by UA trustees in 2009. Researchers at CAPS strive to create innovative solutions through information-technology research and cutting-edge software development in order to enhance the public safety and security of the state and homeland.

Through Parrish’s vision and direction, CAPS evolved its portfolio into a myriad of research and software products and services in the areas of traffic safety, law enforcement, homeland security, criminal justice and, most recently, health and human services. As director, Parrish oversees more than $10 million in annual research expenditures from more than 20 state and federal sponsors and supervises a staff of about 85 professional staff members and students.

He was the recipient of the 2012 T. Morris Hackney Endowed Faculty Leadership Award from the College of Engineering. The award honors a faculty member who exemplifies the constant guidance and leadership necessary to make the College of Engineering exceptional.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s fully accredited College of Engineering has more than 3,900 students and more than 110 faculty. In the last eight years, students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater, Hollings, Mitchell, Portz and Truman scholars.