World Languages Department Mourns Loss of ASL Teacher Matthew Parkhurst

Matthew Parkhurst in online meeting, May 2024.

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our inaugural American Sign Language teacher, Matthew Parkhurst, over the summer. Parkhurst was our first teacher of ASL, who brought great joy and energy to his beloved language. He was with us for too short of a time, just two semesters, but his legacy lingers.

During his career, Parkhurst taught at the U of A, City College of San Francisco and the University of San Francisco. Renowned for his expertise, he interpreted in educational, legal, medical, religious and entertainment settings. Most notably, he interpreted for such artists as Pat Benatar, Macy Gray, Pattie LaBelle, Third Eye Blind and Cyndi Lauper. He also served as the ASL coach on the film set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Prior to his academic and interpreting career, Parkhurst served in the United States Navy. As his family states, there “he embraced the values of dedication and service.” Indeed, his military experience “informed much of his disciplined yet passionate approach to his career and personal endeavors.”

As we can attest in World Languages, Parkhurst was very passionate about ASL. He had a tremendous joy and inclusive spirit that motivated him to promote ASL to its fullest both within our department and across campus. Because of his strong start to the program, we will continue offering ASL during the 2024-25 academic year. Nikki Cherry has recently been hired to continue Parkhurst’s legacy in our department.

Parkhurst is survived by a tremendous family network that includes his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Brendan Wallace; his son, Ryan Thurman; siblings Patty Fitchert, Cheryl Kasper, Steve Parkhurst, Debbie Parkhurst, Vickie Lajoie, Holly Beausoleil and Charles Parkhurst; grandchildren Ryla, Gabe, Cedrych, Beckett and Lillian; and his beloved dogs, Riley and Wyatt.

 A U of A scholarship fund for students in the ASL community is in the works. An announcement will be made at a later date.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.