About Dr. Deidre Parish, Ph.D., Ed.D.

“As an educational leader, I value the work that is done every day, in every classroom, for every child. I am proud to be part of a community that values children, teachers and learning. I am committed to educating children in order to enhance and enrich the Amarillo community.”

– Dr. Deidre Parish 

Dr. Deidre Parish was well on her way to a career in medical research, completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, when she realized her heart was in public education. Several years earlier, after earning a bachelor’s degree in biology/math and a master's in zoology, Dr. Parish spent some time teaching middle school science. With a PhD and postdoctoral work behind her, the classroom was again calling Dr. Parish, as an educator and a student. Dr. Parish began teaching high school in Frisco ISD then pursued master's and doctorate degrees in education. 

Since then, Dr. Parish has experienced different roles as a professional educator, from classroom teacher to PreK-12 campus administrator, to administrative positions in curriculum & instruction, including Director of Professional Learning at Frisco ISD and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Decatur ISD. Before being selected to lead Amarillo ISD in February 2025, Dr. Parish served as Superintendent of Darrouzett ISD and Sweetwater ISD. 

Dr. Parish holds a Ph.D. in biology from Texas Tech University, a Doctorate in Education Administration/HR Management from the University of North Texas, a Master’s of Education from the University of North Texas, an M.S. in zoology from Texas Tech, and a B.S. in biology, also from Texas Tech. 

Dr. Parish embraces community. She is active in civic clubs and church choir. Previously, she was Vice President of the Sweetwater & Nolan County Chamber of Commerce and served as an Alderman for the Town of Darrouzett. In Amarillo, she plans to join philanthropic efforts and to support cultural events.

Dr. Parish is originally from Lubbock. She and her husband, Bud, have two grown daughters and a Golden Retriever named Charlie.