Department relations
 |
| A
nutrition researcher in the animal lab, c. 1920 |
Parsons dedicated herself
as passionately to helping her students as she did to doing her
research. She saw science and research as exciting endeavors and
strove to communicate that enthusiasm to her students. Parsons introduced
her students to the culture of science and encouraged them to get
involved by ensuring that they "reported at professional meetings,
published their research, regularly attended professional meetings
to meet others in the field, and accepted jobs with a challenge--and
resources." As a former student recalled, Parsons demanded
the best from her students on all levels and instilled in them the
fundamentals of good scientific research. Parsons dedicated herself
to her students by setting standards for them that were as rigorous
as the ones she set for herself.
Parsons enjoyed her position
at Wisconsin. She felt strongly about the department and interacted
regularly with the home economics administrators. Abby
Marlatt continually regarded her as an important person to have
in her department, citing her as "a woman of extraordinary
ability in investigational work and also with rare teaching ability."
Most likely because of Marlatt's early encouragement of Parsons
to come to UW, her own devotion to scientific research, her no-nonsense
approach to life, and her embodiment of both austerity and sensitivity,
toughness and sympathy, the director earned a great deal of respect
from her colleague Parsons. With her sharp mind, no-nonsense nature,
and generous spirit, Marlatt made a strong role model and friend
for the likewise tough and intelligent Parsons. After Marlatt retired,
Parsons was not nearly as close to Frances
Zuill, the succeeding director of UW Home Economics. Zuill recognized
Parsons as the "the strongest [in the department] in publications,"
and Parsons in turn respected Zuill for her administrative influence,
her ability to obtain research money, and her complete devotion
to the department. However, the two did not form as close a relationship
as had Parsons and Marlatt. |
