DARYL PARKER ‘16

Educational Background: University of North Texas: BAS in Public Administration (2013)

Southern Methodist University: MLS in Liberal Studies: Human Rights and Social Justice concentration (2016)

SMU Accomplishments: Daryl volunteered with the Innocence Project of Texas and was selected as a Soros Foundation Community Outreach Fellow. Through the SMU Human Rights Fellowship, he built on his background as a Marine and police officer to launch a new nonprofit organization, Actual Innocence Review, which conducted criminal investigations in cases of wrongfully convicted persons. 

Postbaccalaureate Career: Daryl continues to advance justice as a private investigator and nonprofit leader. Through the Actual Innocence Review, Daryl assisted with the release of Ben Spencer, wrongfully convicted for 34 years. His work has been featured in 48 Hours, NPR, the Atlantic magazine, and various podcasts. 

Learn more about Daryl’s post-graduation journey through the following links:

• npr.org/2021/01/28/961722429/he-spent-34-years-incarcerated-for-a-crime-he-says-he-didnt-do-now-he-may-be-free
• theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/01/no-way-out/546575/ 
• airtexas.org 

Updated January 2022