Headline from The Crow's Nest, July 1, 2020:
Park University News Roundup
Park University has been making headlines recently with a variety of announcements and achievements. Here's a roundup of some of the latest news:
Cancellations Due to COVID-19
Several events have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the Bell Road Barn Players' production of "Comedy of Errors", Hill Air Force Base (Utah) Campus Commencement, and the River Read Children's Literature Festival.
Honours and Recognitions
Mara Cohara, J.D., a member of Park University's Board of Trustees, was selected to the Kansas City Business Journal's "2020 Women Who Mean Business" list of honorees on June 17.
Interviews and Discussions
Matt Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, was interviewed live on KMBZ-FM in Kansas City on June 1 to discuss President Donald Trump's plan to invoke the Insurrection Act. Claude English, director of athletics at Park University's Parkville (Mo.) Campus, was interviewed for a story that aired on KCTV in Kansas City on June 22 related to the removal of two historical markers due to mentions of slavery. John Hamilton, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice administration, was interviewed for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on June 17 related to the Missouri Highway Patrol expanding its role in investigating officer-involved shootings. Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., has been interviewed by multiple news outlets about Park's Gap Year initiative.
New Appointments
Geri Dickey, Ph.D., associate professor of social work at Park University, has been appointed as interim dean of the College of Education and Health Professions for the 2020-21 academic year. Jenna Scott has been appointed as the director of professional education and workforce development at Park University.
New Programmes and Initiatives
Park University's Office of Professional Education and Workforce Development has announced its first leadership program offering, ParkULeads, a four-week virtual leadership course. Park University was among the schools on CollegeCliffs.com's "Best Online Schools for Bachelor's in Childhood Education Degree Program" list.
Gap Year Initiative
Park University has launched a gap year initiative offering current undergraduate students across the country unlimited online classes for a flat fee of $9,000 during the 2020-21 academic year. However, precise current details such as program scope, exact fees, or eligibility criteria for this plan would need to be confirmed directly from Park University's official website or recent official communications.
Achievements and Recognitions
Kenny Broberg, a graduate student in the International Center for Music at Park University, has been selected as a finalist for the American Pianist Awards and awarded a cash prize of $50,000 each before the competition begins. Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., has been elected by his peers to serve as president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri for a one-year term.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Jeanette Prenger, '09, chair of Park's Board of Trustees, was appointed to the Missouri Tourism Commission by Gov. Mike Parson on June 19. Vince Clark has been elected as vice chair of Park University's Board of Trustees.
Awards and Grants
Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts and director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, received a $9,300 Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund Rapid Response award from the U.S. Department of State. Alla Adams, Ph.D., assistant professor and program director of healthcare administration, was interviewed for a story that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on June 23.
Publications and Opinions
Jolene Lampton, Ph.D., associate professor of management/accounting, co-authored an article on "Customer Service in the Digital Age" published in June in CSM. Merideth Parrish, '06, MPA '08, authored an opinion column titled "Your Experience Matters" published in IN Kansas City magazine on June 3.
Student Achievements
Joshua Weston, sophomore European history major, appeared on the podcast "The Goods" on June 3. The Office of University Engagement's "Park Stories" initiative showcases fun and inspiring features highlighting Park University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
For the most accurate, up-to-date information about any of these news items, we recommend checking Park University's official site or contacting their admissions or registrar’s office directly.
Education and self-development opportunities are expanding at Park University. Geri Dickey, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, has been appointed as interim dean of the College of Education and Health Professions for the 2020-21 academic year. Additionally, Park University's Office of Professional Education and Workforce Development has announced its first leadership program offering, ParkULeads, a four-week virtual leadership course.
