Unveiled: The Crow's Nest Announces Updates on February 4, 2022
Park University, based in Kansas City, Missouri, had a successful year in 2021, with numerous accolades, achievements, and events that showcased its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. Here are some of the highlights from the past year.
Academic Recognition
U.S. News and World Report ranked Park University on its 2022 Best Online Programs list, with several national rankings. The University was recognised for its online bachelor's programs in business (No. 111, tie), online master's in business programs (non-MBA) (No. 140, tie), and online master's in education programs (No. 208, tie). Additionally, BestValueSchools.org ranked Park University No. 3 on its "Top 20 Best Online Logistics Degrees in 2022."
Leadership Changes
On January 1, Kena Wolf was promoted to the role of chief enrollment management officer at Park University. Meanwhile, Shane B. Smeed was selected by the Board of Trustees to become the school's 18th president, effective January 1, 2022.
Scholarships and Awards
The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Foundation awarded $3,500 scholarships to several Park University students. Kenny Broberg, a graduate student in Park University's International Center for Music, won the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards.
Student Achievements
Adam Wilkins, a sophomore nursing major, won the college junior division of the International Public Debate Association at the Gorlok Gala event in Webster Groves, Missouri. Nada Meawad, '21, who recently ended her career on the Parkville Campus women's volleyball team, signed to play with the Volley Lugano club in Switzerland.
Faculty Achievements
Several faculty members at Park University made significant contributions in their respective fields. Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, provided comments for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on January 5, looking back on the U.S. Capitol riots of January 6, 2021. Kathy Howe, Ph.D., assistant professor of literacy education, co-authored the article "Using an Active View of Reading to Inform RtI and Diverse Reader Profiles" that was published in the Fall 2021 edition of The Oklahoma Reader, the journal of the Oklahoma Literacy Association.
Brad Kleindl, Ph.D., professor of marketing, co-authored a presentation on "Epigenetic Memetics in Organizational Culture, Learning and Memory: Expanding on the Darwinian Perspective" for the International Conference on Knowledge, Culture and Change in Organizations held virtually on January 14. Samantha Quinn, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication, co-authored the article "From the Front Lines to the Front Row: Millennials Teaching Military-Affiliated Learners" for the book The Changing Faces of Higher Education: From Boomers to Millennials.
Donna (Dong) Choi, Ph.D., professor of early childhood education, co-authored the article "Preschool Education for Three- and Four-Year-Olds in Kansas and Missouri: Reflections on State to State 'Laboratories of Democracy'" that was published in the fall/winter 2021 edition of the Missouri Policy Journal.
Community Engagement
Carneysha Mendoza, a 2016 Park University graduate and a U.S. Capitol Police captain, testified about security failures during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Bob Kendrick, '85, was featured in The Kansas City Star on January 12 with a full front page photo and accompanying four-page-long story which calls him "Kansas City's Ambassador."
Events and Anniversaries
Park University's International Center for Music will host its annual Stanislav and Friends concert on March 19. The Center for Global Peace Journalism at Park University will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a symposium on March 2. Upcoming events at Park University include the Frank Hamilton Photography Art Exhibit - "Found: Sticks and Stones," the Center for Global Peace Journalism 10th Anniversary Symposium, the International Center for Music Concert: Violinist Ben Sayevich and Pianist Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, the International Center for Music Concert: ICM Orchestra, the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War's Premiere of "More Than a Medal" Documentary, and more.
Registration is open for Park University's annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, and the Faculty Center for Innovation will host its Virtual Academic Conference for faculty and staff on March 26.
For precise details about Park University’s top stories from 2021 chosen by staff members, you may want to consult the university's official news archive or contact their communications office directly.
- In addition to its academic achievements, Park University also demonstrates a strong commitment to education and self-development, as evidenced by its appearance on the general news platform U.S. News and World Report's 2022 Best Online Programs list, and its high rankings in specific areas such as online business and education programs.
- Amidst the success in sports, student Nada Meawad, '21, signed to play volleyball for the Volley Lugano club in Switzerland, while general news sources like The Kansas City Star featured faculty member Bob Kendrick, Class of '85, in an extensive article.
