Parker McWatters
Manager of Student-Run Coffee Shops and Student Employment“Given how much of an impact those spaces had on my undergraduate experience, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to be gainfully employed and give back to what is, in my opinion, one of the cultural centers of the University."
Parker McWattersis the Manager of Student-Run Coffee Shops and Student Employment at the University of Chicago’s Student Centers. He oversees four student-run cafés: Ex Libris, Hallowed Grounds, Harper Café, and Cobb Café, as well as the University’s relationship with The Pub at Ida Noyes. With a team of over 100 student employees, Parker’s role is central in shaping the student work experience while also ensuring each café has a vibrant social and community space on campus. Parker’s journey began as an undergraduate barista at Ex Libris. This experience connected him to campus life and led to his current leadership role. Since stepping into management, Parker has guided the program through financial development and community-building efforts, helping transform the coffee shops into hubs of student connection and professional development. Their commitment to student leadership and a welcoming environment continues to leave a lasting impact on UChicago’s campus culture.
Q: Can you describe the work you do at the University of Chicago?
I oversee the Student Centers' four student-run cafés: Ex Libris, Hallowed Grounds, Harper Café, and Cobb Café. In addition to that, I oversee our relationship with the Pub, which is run by HWM. I oversee over 100 student employees in this role, and I work closely with my direct supervisor, Shoshi Spurlock, as well as our Director, Christopher Burpee, to ensure that we are creating community spaces on campus for our students, employees and patrons alike. In addition, we keep a close eye on the financial performance of both the shops and the department as a whole.
Q: You’ve held multiple roles within the department, each with growing responsibility. What has your journey looked like, and what ultimately led you to your current role overseeing the coffee shops and student employee program?
I began my relationship with the Student Centers as a barista at Ex Libris in 2018 during my second year as an undergrad. When the pandemic hit, I found myself eyeing an open position in the department that would allow me to oversee the coffee shops. Given how much of an impact those spaces had on my undergraduate experience, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to be gainfully employed and give back to what is, in my opinion, one of the cultural centers of the University. After a couple of years as a Program Manager, I was given the opportunity to take a more active role in the financial performance of the shops and the department as a whole. After that, I found myself taking on more and more responsibilities until I stepped into my current role. I initially considered the Program Manager position a stepping stone into my professional career, but I’ve grown to truly love this department and the students we work with. It is my hope to continue fostering the growth of this program.
Q: What is a memorable experience that you’ve had during your time at the University?
During undergrad, a friend and I became obsessed with working at every student-run coffee shop on campus. That includes the four overseen by the Student Centers and the Divinity School's shop, Grounds of Being. A very memorable experience was finally completing that goal, which, funnily enough, came about through my first shift at Cobb. We managed to get a shift (and a part-time job!) at Grounds of Being before we completed our four shifts within our own program!
Q: How do you see campus coffee shops helping build community at UChicago?
I believe that the four shops are essential to the campus community. These are places that offer many students’ first work experiences, and they are key building blocks that help them become strong applicants for post-grad jobs. On top of that, the cafés are hubs for social activity on campus. Every student goes to the Reg to study, and Ex Libris provides a respite from the stress of midterms and finals week. Hallowed Grounds offers students a place to meet up for a casual game of pool. Harper Cafe sits atop one of the busiest class buildings on campus, giving folks the opportunity to fuel up and have great conversations between classes. Cobb offers our widest meal selection, and it's never empty during the lunch hour. Each shop has a unique effect on the campus pulse, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a student who hasn't visited at least a few shops. Additionally, by talking to alumni, I found that everyone remembers the cafes extremely well, regardless of their involvement. These cafes are truly central to the campus experience of every student.
Q: You have had a great impact on the University. How has the University of Chicago impacted you?
Beyond the obvious answers, earning a degree and finding meaningful employment, I’ve found that the University of Chicago has provided a wonderful professional and personal community. All my best friends came from this University, and I truly enjoy the time I spend at work with my colleagues. On top of that, I have remained in contact with some of my professors, which has been enormously rewarding.
Q: Outside of your work supporting student leadership and running the coffee shops, how do you enjoy spending your time?
My biggest passion is movies. I try to average one movie per day over the course of the year, though that can get rather difficult (or impossible). That said, you'd be hard-pressed to find a movie that I wouldn't be enthused to watch.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our UChicago community, such as a fun fact about yourself or a personal project?
In the spirit of my last answer, I’ll share that I watched 410 movies last year, 121 of them were new releases. Huge AMC A-List fan.