WILSON, N.C. — February 14, 2025 — Barton College is proud to announce the launch of “The Barton Project,” a curated collection of writings by esteemed alumnus and championship-winning tennis coach Tom Parham. The newly curated archive, now available in the Hackney Library, highlights Parham’s reflections on Barton, Wilson, and Eastern North Carolina, preserving his legacy for future generations.
Parham, a native of Madison, N.C., graduated from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in 1963 with a degree in English and physical education. During his 38-year career as a collegiate tennis coach, Parham led his teams to a 597-183 record and won three NAIA national championships: two at Atlantic Christian and one at Elon University. He also earned 11 Conference Carolinas titles and 14 district championships. Parham has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, and received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1979.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Parham has written nearly 500 articles, selecting 100 for “The Barton Project.” The project offers an in-depth look at his perspective on Barton College, Wilson, and Eastern North Carolina. This collection, along with his books “The Little Green Book of Tennis,” “Play Is Where Life Is,” and “A Level of Thinking (ALOT),” is now available to the public through the Hackney Library’s Special Collections.
“Upon retiring, I began hobby writing,” shared Parham. “Now, twenty years later, I realize how much my time living in Wilson while going to college, and then working for Atlantic Christian College, has influenced me. Eastern North Carolina is unique, and the history, humor, and characters of that period of my life are highlights of “The Barton Project.” It is intended as payment for the gift of a fine education.”
Parham’s legacy at Barton College extends beyond championships, shaping generations of student-athletes and the broader community. His impact will be recognized at the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, set for Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8:30 p.m. in Hardy Alumni Hall. The event will honor the 1979 and 1984 NAIA national championship men’s tennis teams—two of Parham’s greatest coaching achievements. Their induction is a testament to the lasting influence of Parham’s leadership, both on and off the court.
“The Barton Project” is available through Hackney Library’s Special Collections. For access or more information, visit https://barton.libguides.com/special_collections/home or reach out to technology and grants librarian Naija Speight at nispeight@barton.edu.
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