PARCA Senior Research Analyst Dr. Don Dailey died October 9, 2021.

A graduate of Birmingham’s Banks High School, Don earned a bachelor’s and masters from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Early in his career, he worked for Alabama’s Legislative Fiscal Office, before going into national-level educational research in Washington, DC. and later teaching, researching, and working in outreach at various colleges and universities. He spent his career working with students, schools, and community groups, always looking to improve educational outcomes and expand opportunities for all. 

In an extremely fortunate coincidence, at the moment Don was looking to return to his hometown, PARCA was looking to add an experienced education researcher. Joining the PARCA staff in 2017, Don led our research in school discipline, analysis of school performance data, and evaluations of local and statewide education initiatives. He also made sure that no staff birthday was ever missed, or special occasion forgot.

Don was a deeply kind and generous man full of surprises. He read broadly and thought deeply. He relished poetry, hiked avidly, rode motorcycles, played mandolin, studied art, and rooted for the Washington Nationals. He was devoted to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He spent his life working to improve the education system for children all over the country. He genuinely cared for others, and we experienced that first-hand through his friendship and commitment to his work.

We were privileged to call Don a colleague and honored to call him a friend.

We miss him greatly.

Joe Adams
Rachel Cochran
Ryan Hankins
Marci Smith
Thomas Spencer
Candice Stone