Unveiling at The Crow's Nest on April 2, 2021:
In a series of recent recognitions, Park University's community has been celebrated for their achievements. Margarita Araiza, '18, and Olivia Rojas-Garcia, '20, were distinguished as two of Missouri's Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education on March 9. Meanwhile, Karina Garcia, '19, currently studying in the Master of Business Administration program, was highlighted in the March/April edition of Texas Observer magazine.
In another significant event, Jayme Uden, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students, was interviewed on KMBC-TV and KCWE-TV in Kansas City on March 4 regarding the cancellation of a study abroad trip due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Vince Clark, vice chair of Park University's Board of Trustees, has held key roles at the institution, overseeing strategic communications and marketing efforts as the Chief Communications Officer. He also serves in a similar capacity at Creative Planning LLC, a wealth management firm, where he manages corporate communications and public relations. Clark's extensive experience includes serving as corporate treasurer at H&R Block and an entrepreneur of a capital markets boutique advisory firm.
Academically, Park University has been recognised in various rankings. U.S. News and World Report ranked Park in its 2022 best graduate school rankings, with the Hauptmann School of Public Affairs being ranked No. 193 (tie) among the best public affairs graduate programs, the Department of Social Work ranked No. 243 (tie) among best social work graduate programs, and Park was ranked among the top 10 producers of minority bachelor's degrees in several categories.
In the realm of arts and culture, Andrea Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of art and director of the Campanella Gallery, has published a book titled Tears of Transcendence featuring over 120 original works of art spanning over 30 years. The Park University International Center for Music was also featured on KWJC-FM in Kansas City, showcasing performances by ICM students and interviews with its artistic director and associate professor of music/piano, Stanislav Ioudenitch, and pianist Kenny Broberg, ICM graduate student.
For athletics events, Park students with student ID and two family members of each Park student-athlete will be allowed admission. In terms of academic events, facilities will be capped at 25 percent capacity for spectators to allow for social distancing guidelines. All spectators are required to fill out an RSVP form, wear masks, undergo temperature checks, and no concessions will be available.
Park University has also taken steps to recognise and honour significant women in its history during Women's History Month. Lt. Col. Sally Ann Falco, '06, was featured in a story that appeared on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service website on March 17, having recently retired after 34 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In the world of research, Samantha Quinn, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication, co-presented the paper, "'It Allows Me to Be "Me"': Self-Presentation, Authenticity, and Affordances Among LGBTQ+ Social Media Users," during the CSCA conference on March 25. A paper authored by Camelin (Cochran) Sampson, a senior organisational communication major, was also honoured with the Lambda Pi Eta Top Paper Award by the Central States Communication Association.
Park University continues to make strides in the field of technology, offering an undergraduate certificate in Unmanned Aerial System Drone Application and being selected for the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative.
The University has also released a resource, "Sharing the Classroom the Parents, Students and the Community," which includes resources covering "brain breaks," online learning tips, and mathematics resources for all ages/parents. Furthermore, since last spring, Park University's School of Education and the Department of Professional Education and Workforce Development have been offering a free resource for parents with k-12 learners in their homes.
As the academic year progresses, Park University will host several events, including the William Eickhorst Art Exhibit at the Campanella Gallery, the J. Malcolm Good Mathematics Lecture, the Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards, the Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, the Honors Convocation, the Ellen Finley Earhart Department of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, the International Sash Ceremony, the All-University Commencement Ceremony, and various athletics events.
On a concluding note, Vince Clark will present the keynote address at the All-University Commencement ceremony on May 8. The University has also updated its spectator policy for Parkville Campus home athletic events and International Center for Music concerts.
- The general news recently featured an interview with Jayme Uden, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students at Park University, discussing the cancellation of a study abroad trip due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- In the realm of technology, Park University is making strides with the offering of an undergraduate certificate in Unmanned Aerial System Drone Application and being selected for the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative.
