The Crow's Nest Update – April 6, 2022
Park University, a renowned institution based in Parkville, Missouri, has recently made significant strides across various sectors. From academic excellence to community engagement, the university has been making headlines.
In the realm of online education, Park University was ranked No. 2 on BestAccreditedColleges.org's "Best Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology" list, showcasing the university's commitment to providing quality education in a flexible format.
On the academic front, the Park University Parkville Campus men's volleyball team has qualified for the NAIA Men's Volleyball National Championship, set to take place from April 12-16 at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines, Iowa.
The university has also announced the recipients of competitive academic scholarships for incoming freshmen starting with the Fall 2022 semester. The most prestigious Park University academic scholarship given is the Presidential Honors Scholarship, which was presented to Nina Distasio, from Liberty High School, and Diana Perez, from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science, Kansas City, Kan.
In terms of leadership, Kena Wolf, Park University's Chief Enrollment Management Officer, announced the promotion of Andrew Davis to associate vice president of enrollment management and Janet Ostrander to senior director of campus center operations, effective March 1. The specific roles and responsibilities of these new positions are yet to be fully disclosed, but they are expected to involve strategic planning, recruitment, admissions processing, and ensuring student retention through effective service and support systems.
Park University has also been recognised as a Military Friendly School for 2022-23 by Viqtory, earning a Top 10 Award, ranking No. 6 in the "Private, Not Offering Doctorate" category.
The university's community involvement is also noteworthy. Yongzhi (Joe) Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and information systems, was interviewed for stories related to a cybersecurity hack at the Wolf Creek Generating Station in Kansas. Lisa Hickok, executive director of Park University's International Center for Music, was also interviewed for a podcast on DannyClinkscale.com.
Looking ahead, Park University has a series of exciting events lined up. These include the Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards, International Center for Music Concerts featuring Pianist Behzod Abduraimov, Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, Honors Convocation, Inauguration Picnic, Presidential Inauguration for Shane Smeed, International Center for Music Concerts, Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus Commencement, Grand Forks (N.D.) Air Force Base Campus Commencement, Senior Art Students Exhibition, Ellen Finley Earhart Department of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, International Sash Ceremony, Kansas City Area Commencement Ceremony, and numerous others.
The inauguration for Park University President Shane Smeed will take place on April 22, marking a significant milestone in the university's history. The ceremony will be held in Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on the University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus.
In other news, Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, was interviewed for stories related to the Missouri U.S. Senate race and the Kansas House of Representatives 3rd District race. Tomika Maxwell, a senior business administration/management major, was also highlighted in the March edition of the KC Scholars newsletter.
Lastly, Mark Dunning, MPA '19, was promoted to the position of city manager for the City of Lee's Summit, Mo., effective in September.
With these achievements and milestones, Park University continues to solidify its position as a leader in education and community engagement.
- Embodying a balance between academic exploration and physical fitness, the Park University Parkville Campus men's volleyball team's qualification for the NAIA Men's Volleyball National Championship, while the university secures a top spot in online education, underscores Park University's comprehensive approach to education-and-self-development and sports.
- Beyond the realm of academics, Park University's recognition as a Military Friendly School for 2022-23, along with its involvement in community discussions such as cybersecurity hacks and political races, signifies the university's commitment towards broadening its reach, extending beyond education-and-self-development to engaging with diverse sectors.
