Dr. Parnell presently serves as the William Henry Belk distinguished Professor in Management at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He is the author of over 100 Basic and Applied Research articles, published presentations, and cases in strategic management and related areas. He earned the BSBA, MBA, and MA (Adult Education) degrees from East Carolina University, the ED.D degree from Campbell University, and the PH.D. degree in Strategic Management from the University of Memphis.

Dr. Parnell was the recipient of a Fulbright Research Award in Egypt in 1995 and has also lectured in a number of countries, including extensive recent involvement in China and Mexico.