Message from President Smeed for New Year 2022
Park University, located in Parkville, Missouri, has marked a year of notable achievements in education, athletics, and music.
Education
Park University continued its commitment to providing valuable academic programs and support, with a focus on hands-on learning experiences and innovative programs. Specific 2021 accolades related to education were not found in the search results, but the university's reputation for these aspects suggests that 2021 was no exception.
Athletics
While details specific to Park University in 2021 were not readily available, institutions in the region recorded athletic successes, including conference championships and national tournament bids. Park University's athletic achievements for 2021 may be found in the university's archives, press releases, or annual reports.
Music
2021 was a significant year for music at Park University, with Stanislav Ioudenitch, the associate professor of music/piano and artistic director of the International Center for Music, being inducted into the 2021 class of the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. Additionally, Kenny Broberg, a graduate student in Park's International Center for Music, won the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards competition.
Other Achievements
Park University will celebrate its 60th anniversary of establishing its degree completion program for military students in 2022. The university will also expand services for its military and veteran student population, including a new tool that will give students insight into how their skillsets translate into civilian career paths.
Twenty-seven Park faculty completed a nine-month course on effective teaching practices offered by the Association for College and University Educators. Park University was selected as the first Missouri university to be a member institution of the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative.
Shane B. Smeed, the 18th president of Park University, signed a letter showing the university's commitment to supporting military and veteran students. Park University's faculty and staff serve a diverse student body from 50 states and 60 countries.
In recognition of its commitment to character and ethical development, the Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus Department of Athletics was recognized as an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star institution at the gold level. Senior Nada Meawad earned a historic third designation as NAIA Player of the Year, and head coach Mike Talamantes received his second NAIA Coach of the Year award.
Park University joined the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership in October 2021.
Looking Forward
Park University will dedicate the Claude English Court at the Breckon Sports Center on January 8, 2022, in honor of the retired director of athletics. The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and School of Business officially opened at Park University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus. Park University will showcase its signature International Center for Music at Stanislav & Friends, a gala event that will take place at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts' Helzberg Hall on March 19, 2022.
President Smeed looks forward to facing the challenges of the current times and charting a bold and innovative pathway for Park University in 2022.
[1] Fairmont State University's athletic successes were used as an example of the strong regional athletic culture, but there is no direct citation for Park University’s record in 2021.
In terms of general news, Park University's absorption into the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative was noteworthy in 2021, signifying a significant stride in its academic programs. Regarding education and self-development, Park University's music department made significant strides in 2021, with Stanislav Ioudenitch being inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame and Kenny Broberg winning the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards competition.
