Distinguished Emeritus Service Award

Kenneth Brown ’52 attended Ricks College from 1949 through 1952 after having served in the Western States Mission and as a marine in World War II.  He graduated with honors and with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Idaho teaching Certificate. He then attended BYU from 1960-1961 to receive his Masters of Science in Sociology and Church History. From 1967 to 1970 he attended BYU to receive his Doctor of Religious Education Degree.

Kenneth worked in Church Education as a religious educator from 1952 to 1989, serving on the religion faculty at Ricks College for 19 years.  He was the department chairman from 1986-1989.

After his mission he met Jean Clark. Kenneth and Jean have now been married for 57 years and they have 7 children, 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Kenneth has served the church in many capacities including as single missionary, teacher, bishopric counselor, bishop and 2nd counselor in the mission presidency.  He and his wife Jean have served as couple missionaries in Jacksonville Florida and Rexburg, Idaho.

Oliver Parson earned degrees from Weber State College and the University of Utah.  He received additional art training from BYU, Colorado State, Banff, Utah State University, New York Academy of Fine Arts, New York Art Students League and California State, Fullerton.  He also served in World War II in the army, serving for a time in the entertainment department.

In 1953 Oliver taught at Springville High School, and was the curator Springville National Art Gallery. During this time President Hyrum Manwaring offered him a teaching position at Ricks College.  Oliver taught at Ricks for 25 years and was the Department Chair for 16 years.  He served as the President of the Idaho Art Association for 2 years. 

In 1940 Oliver married Myra Baker. They are the parents of nine children.  In 1985 Oliver Married Arvilla Cook, after the passing of his first wife Myra.  Oliver has 9 children, 53 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

Oliver has served the Church in many capacities including Youth Missionary, Sunday School Teacher, Scout Master, Elders Quorum Presidency, Stake Missionary in Placentia CA, and Salem Oregon. He also served a mission with his first wife Myra to Canada and to the Hill Cumorah Mission with his second wife Arvilla.