Timothy Parks: Builder of books and buildings

		Timothy Parks, construction representative, is a man of many talents. In addition to his proficiency on building sites, he is also an avid photographer and writer.

Timothy Parks, construction representative in facilities planning and construction, is what most people would call a self-made man.

After getting married and leaving his home in Tucson, Ariz., in 1975, Parks spent the next 10 years of his life in southwestern Colorado "coming up through the ranks" while working in construction and traveling to different construction sites.

In 1999, at the age of 44, he decided it was time for a change, and he joined the UNT staff, leaving his life of "wandering" to settle into a more structured existence.

As a construction representative, Parks manages UNT construction projects, so he spends a significant amount of time on building sites.

"I enjoy my job at UNT because it allows me to keep one foot in the office and one on the construction site," Parks says.

When Parks isn't on the job, he is often in Gainesville with his wife at their bookstore, Starr-Books.

His time at the bookstore led him to the idea of republishing Poker Games, Pillow Shams and Parched Prairies: Camp Howze, a history of the Cooke County World War II training camp. The story of Camp Howze was originally compiled by the late Betty Stephenson.

While at the bookstore, Parks became acquainted with Stephenson's husband, Louis Stephenson. The two agreed on the significance of the history represented in the book and on the renewed interest in Camp Howze by people in Gainesville and Cooke County. They also decided that a keen interest in the history of the area was being expressed by those visiting or just passing through North Texas.

"We have published this second edition because there are certain defining events in the history of Gainesville and Cooke County that cannot — should not — ever be forgotten," says Parks. "Camp Howze is one of those. This book is a slice of those war years preserved in words."

Parks wrote the foreword for the republished book, has written an additional book, Glen Canyon Dam, and is a columnist for the Journal of North Texas. In addition to writing, Parks is a veteran photographer.

"I've always had a camera in my hand," he says.

Linda Sheldon, director of interiors, enjoys going into Parks' office to see the wilderness photographs he has taken and the new photographs he adds to his collection. She describes Parks as very committed to any task he takes on.

"Whether it is professional or personal, no matter what, Timothy manages to keep a smile and a positive attitude," she says.

BY MAGAN HENDON inhouse@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Provost approves changes to Fall 2004 schedule of final exams
• UNT merchandising students determine hottest gifts of the 2004 holiday season
• TAMS students semifinalists in national competition
• UNT hosts seminar to address needs of lesbian, bisexual, transgender women
• Winter weather brings possibility for closures
• UNT professor talks about films released during the holidays
• Eagle Partner Award nominations sought
• Operation Eagle to assist Florida children
• Staff Council to draft resolution supporting staff reclassification funds
• UNT Post Office hours change for holidays
• 2005 Honors Day nomination forms are due Dec. 17

homepage