(September 15, 2011)

Contact: Dena Pruett, Centenary Marketing & Communication, 318.869.5715

Centenary College Presents Constitution Day Lecture Sept. 20

SHREVEPORT, LA — Dr. Christopher Parker, Assistant Professor of Political Science, will present a special Constitution Day lecture, which is free and open to the public.

  • What: "The Founders and Limited Government: The Constitutional Origins of Gridlock"
  • When: Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 11:10 a.m.
  • Where: Centenary Room, Bynum Commons

Dr. Christopher Parker

"The discussion on gridlock comes from the recent issues regarding Congress' inability to address the debt crisis and more recently pass legislation to address the economic struggles of the nation," said Dr. Parker. "Our elected politicians are seemingly unable to compromise even when action is necessary for the good of the nation."

Prior to joining Centenary's faculty, Dr. Parker obtained his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Stony Brook University, where he was also served as an Instructor. His dissertation focused on "Patterns and Consequences of Supreme Court Decision Making on Federalism Cases." He has published in Justice Systems Journal and presented at the annual meetings of the Midwest Political Science Association as well as the American Political Science Association.

On September 17, 1787, the founding fathers signed the U.S. Constitution, establishing the many rights and freedoms that citizens of the United States enjoy today. The anniversary of this event has been celebrated as a federal observance since 2004.

The Office of the Provost and the Pre-Law Society sponsor this event.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.