Heidi Parish earned two bachelor’s degrees in 1986 from Newman University, known as Kansas Newman College at the time. She said those degrees in English and communication, along with her Newman experience, have shaped who she is today.
And today, Parish is a successful entrepreneur. In 2016, she launched Merry Go Hounds, a dog-walking business based in her Colorado hometown.
Awarded a full-ride scholarship for both academics and athletics, she quickly became a fixture on the volleyball and basketball courts. But it was the way Newman encouraged her to think critically, seek deeper understanding and engage with the world around her that truly made a difference in her life.
“I saw value in taking philosophy, sociology and science courses outside my major,” Parish recalls. “Those classes shaped how I solve problems and approach the world. Newman made me a critical thinker, and that has influenced every part of my life.”
After Newman, Heidi pursued not one but two master’s degrees from another university — communications and communicative disorders — and proceeded to build a career that blended leadership, communication and service.
During her time at Newman, the lessons she learned as a student-athlete proved invaluable.
“Sports gave me a clear understanding of teamwork and leadership,” she said. “Later in my career, my work team was selected as part of a nationwide pilot program on what makes teams successful. The result of lessons I first learned on the volleyball court at Newman.”
After leaving the corporate world to spend more time with her two sons, Heidi wanted a career that kept her active and allowed her to do something she loved. The result was starting her own business.
“I enjoy seeing how happy I make dogs every day. Their joy is contagious,” she shared.
One of her most memorable bonds has been with Wendell, a lively Australian shepherd she walked almost daily during the pandemic.
“He became not just a client but a good friend,” she said with a smile.
Like many small business owners, Parish has faced challenges. COVID reduced her client base significantly, but she turned obstacles into opportunities.
“It seemed like a curse, but it was also a blessing. It gave me balance,” she reflected.
Beyond her business, Parish is deeply rooted in her Colorado community. Known locally as “the dog walker,” she also serves on her HOA board, participates in multiple book clubs and neighborhood groups, and volunteers with causes ranging from Habitat for Humanity to animal rescue organizations.
For Heidi, success isn’t measured in profits or accolades but in lives touched.
“Whether it’s helping a student love reading, walking a dog or building a house, success to me is how many people and animals I’ve impacted in a positive way.”
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Do your research, create a plan and above all, do what you love. Don’t give up even if you hit some bumps along the way.”
Connect with Newman alumni
Newman University Alumni Relations brings graduates together and supports one another. Banded by thousands of Newman graduates, Alumni Relations is active in the continued success and spiritual wellness of all alumni.
