"August 31, 2018 - Crow's Nest News Report"

Park University News Roundup

Park University is buzzing with activities and achievements, as evidenced by the numerous events, presentations, and recognitions that have taken place recently. Here's a roundup of some of the latest news:

Academic Achievements

Patricia Ryberg, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and director of Park's Honors Academy, presented findings from her fossil collection trip to Antarctica at two conferences. Her presentation focused on a Latest Permian High-Latitude Glossopteris Flora.
An article co-authored by Alla Adams, Ph.D., and James Vanderleeuw, Ph.D., was published in the July issue of the International Journal of Business and Applied Social Science.
Greg Claycomb, Ph.D., presented a session at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education on July 30.

Upcoming Events

The 150th Anniversary Kickoff Event will take place on Sept. 14 at 3:30 PM.
The Park University Math Club is hosting a panel discussion on "How to Use Math in Everyday Life" on Thursday, Sept. 6.
Homecoming Weekend 2018 will take place on Sept. 13-15 at Park University's Parkville Campus. Details on specific events can be found on the University's official website or by contacting the alumni or student affairs office.
The Special Observance of the Copley-Thaw Hall Centennial will take place on Sept. 14 at 2 PM.
The Ed Bradley Sports Medicine Center Dedication and Tour will take place on Sept. 13 at 5:30 PM.
"Two Trains Runnin'" will be the first documentary in the Year of Engagement Documentary Series and will be screened on Monday, Sept. 24.
The 26th annual Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Lecture Series event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Reggie Robinson, J.D., vice chancellor for public affairs at the University of Kansas, will be the featured speaker.

Recognitions and Honours

Park University was recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine in its summer issue as part of the publication's "Best of the Best 2018".
Brad Kleindl, Ph.D., professor of marketing, was elected chair of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs' Board of Commissioners for Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees for the next year.
Javier Centonzio, Parisa Fetherson, Joseph Geeter III, and Roger Hershey will be honoured at the Park University Alumni Association Awards Luncheon on Sept. 14.

Athletics

A women's volleyball match vs. Ottawa University will take place on Sept. 13 at 7 PM.
Women's soccer and men's soccer matches vs. Lindenwood University-Belleville will take place on Sept. 15 at noon and 2:15 PM respectively.

Community Engagement

Debra Olson-Morrison, Ph.D. assistant professor of social work and Master of Social Work program director, and Ashley Phillips, '18, presented a session on "Common Sense Trauma-Informed Care: Essential Components for Agencies and Organizations" and their research in New Zealand, which was made possible by a Park University internationalization grant.
The event "Students Engaging Missouri Politics" will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 12 and will focus on the engagement barriers between students and local politics.

Cultural Events

Shokhrukh Sadikov, '12, will be performing with his NAVO Chamber Orchestra in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 1. The lecture will be held in the auditorium at the Lenexa (Kan.) City Hall and admission is free and open to the public.

Administrative Appointments

Brian Shawver has been promoted to the role of associate provost for teaching at learning at Park University. Shawver will work with academic departments on new program development and oversee the University's McAfee Memorial Library and Learning Commons. He will also foster innovative course design in conjunction with Park's instructional design team and coordinate retention efforts that intersect with academic programs.
Shane Smeed, vice president and chief operating officer, appeared on the KCUR-FM program "Up To Date" in Kansas City on July 27 for a live, in-studio interview related to Park University's new varsity esports program.

Partnerships

During the 2018-19 academic year, Park University and the National Archives at Kansas City are partnering to commemorate the University's Year of Engagement.
Park University's Dorothy Harper Watson Literacy Center, in conjunction with the University's Office of Continuing Education and Overland Park, Kan., based The Little Fig, is taking applications for its Nonfiction Writers Intensive workshop series to be held during the University's Spring 2019 semester. The purpose of the NWI is to build a collection of career pathway success stories that showcase subjects of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and gender diversity.