We celebrate a remarkable milestone in the career of Dr. Barbara Parker-Bell as she steps into a well-earned retirement. The FSU Art Education Department and Art Therapy programs extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes as she begins this next chapter.
Dr. Parker-Bell joined FSU in spring 2017 as Program Director, quickly immersing herself in the accreditation process for the Master of Science in Art Therapy program through CAAHEP. This effort resulted in accreditation in 2019, an achievement the program has proudly maintained. She has since guided both the master’s and doctoral programs with unwavering dedication. Her influence extends well beyond campus through her service as past president of the Art Therapy Credentials Board, her leadership within the American Art Therapy Association, and her work as a Fulbright Scholar in Russia. Her scholarship also includes co-authoring the seminal Art Therapy and Career Counseling: Creative Strategies for Career Development across the Lifespan with Dr. Debra Osborn.
Dr. Osborn reflected on the evolution of their creative partnership, describing their “chance” encounter that unexpectedly blossomed into “a creative partnership and beautiful friendship.” Their weekly meetings, she shared, became a highlight of her week. Dr. Osborn noted that in a research-driven environment, she had “silenced the more creative side” of herself, but Dr. Parker-Bell’s “encouragement and playfulness” helped her recover that voice. She praised Barbara’s courage in focusing on a field “not always completely celebrated,” adding, “By walking beside me… I’ve always known that I’ve had someone to share the excitement, the fear, the letdowns and also the successes with.”
Colleagues echoed similar admiration. Dr. Amber Ward shared that it is “hard to imagine the department without Barbara’s warmth, creativity, and playful spirit,” noting that her “deep care for students and colleagues will have a lasting impact.” While Dr. Jeff Broome reflected on her far-reaching contributions “from Tallahassee to Russia,” expressing gratitude for her leadership carried out “with grace, diplomacy, and warmth during sometimes very tricky and sticky times.”
Dr. Karina Donald described the privilege of working near her, recalling cherished moments of “popping my head into her office” and missing her “warm, unmistakable laugh that would ripple down the first floor corner of the William Johnston Building.” She marveled at Dr. Parker-Bell’s ability to “wear so many hats with such grace” and described her mentorship as “a gift.”
“Dr. Parker-Bell was (and still is!) a wealth of knowledge and always willing to help us students. I am so excited to see what is next for her in this new chapter of life and wish her all the best.”
Jasmine Blake
Dr. Nancy Gerber emphasized Dr. Parker-Bell’s leadership as both welcoming and highly effective, calling her “a stellar leader who creates a welcoming environment and stewards a highly functional program.” She praised her “humor, generosity of spirit, and humanity,” sharing memories of their years working together which were punctuated by watching Phillies and Eagles games side by side.
Students also offered touching messages expressing how Dr. Parker-Bell shaped their learning, growth, and sense of belonging. A second-year student shared, “She showed me that becoming an art therapist is more than a career, it is a way of experiencing the world.” Lena Ciardi described her as “the paintbrush that is painting my way, clearing my vision…challenging me in many ways to foster personal and professional growth.”
International student Cole Lin wrote about feeling “especially seen and supported” by her. She vividly recalled Dr. Parker-Bell sitting under a flowering tree “almost hidden in a ‘flower cave,’” greeting students on Halloween with a purple puppet, and offering the kind of iconic laugh that made others feel “supported and at ease.”
Other students expressed gratitude for her positivity, humor, and mentorship. One student described her as “a guiding light,” another wished her “a retirement full of happy memories and new adventures.” One student cherished a class moment when Dr. Parker-Bell invited everyone to play instruments from her travels, creating “a unified, raucous, symphonic eruption” that lifted the room’s spirit.
A former student also shared their appreciation and wishes for Dr. Parker-Bell as she enters retirement:
“Dr. Parker-Bell was (and still is!) a wealth of knowledge and always willing to help us students,” said Jasmine Blake.” I am so excited to see what is next for her in this new chapter of life and wish her all the best.”
Jasmine also shared artwork in memory of her class with Dr. Parker-Bell in Introduction to Counseling, reflecting hopes for the future.
Dr. Parker-Bell’s contribution to Florida State University is one of compassion, excellence, and steadfast dedication to the field of art therapy. Her leadership has shaped programs, supported colleagues, inspired students, and elevated the profession. We honor her with great appreciation and with excitement for the creativity, joy, and well-deserved rest that await her in retirement.
Congratulations, Dr. Parker-Bell! Thanks for everything.