Alan K. Parrish is a professor of religious education at Brigham Young University (BYU) who has written books and articles related to American education and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), most notably a biography of John A. Widtsoe.
He served in the Southwest British Mission of the LDS Church, based in Bristol, England.
After his mission he received a bachelor's degree and an MBA from Utah State University.
After being in business for a short time he was recruited to work for the Church Educational System beginning as a seminary teacher.
From 1978 to 1984 Parrish was the director of the LDS Institute of Religion in Cambridge, Massachusetts.