Unveiling at The Crow's Nest on July 31, 2019:
Park University, a leading private-sector employer in the Kansas City area, has been making headlines recently with a series of notable events and initiatives.
In a significant move, Missouri Governor Mike Parson visited the Parkville Campus on July 25, highlighting the University's efforts to support minority veterans through educational innovation and equitable recognition. Two initiatives, the Military Credit Fast App and the Valor Medals Review, are aimed at expediting educational credit transfer and military service validation for veterans, enabling them to advance their careers and education more efficiently.
The Military Credit Fast App is designed to convert military training and experience into academic credits, reducing the time veterans need to earn a degree. The Valor Medals Review, on the other hand, ensures that minority veterans receive proper recognition for their military honors and decorations, addressing historical disparities and ensuring their service is fully acknowledged.
Governor Parson's visit underscores Missouri's commitment to supporting veterans through education and recognition programs, aligning with the state's broader goals of workforce development and inclusivity for veterans returning to civilian life.
Meanwhile, Park University continues to support active duty U.S. service members impacted by restrictions on federal tuition assistance.
Apart from its veteran-focused initiatives, Park University has also been recognised for its academic excellence. Its online Bachelor of Science degree in information and computer science/software development was ranked No. 10 on The BestSchools.org's "Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degree Programs" list.
The University's Valor Medals Review effort was also featured in a KCTV story, with Tim Westcott, Ph.D., director of the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, discussing the initiative.
In addition to these achievements, Park University has been recognised for its graduate enrolment, ranking No. 14 on Ingram's, Kansas City's business magazine, list of private colleges/universities in Missouri and Kansas, based on graduate enrollment in Fall 2018.
The University has also been actively involved in community events. Kay Barnes, senior director of university engagement and former mayor of Kansas City, Mo. (1999-2007), appeared in a 5-minute interview segment as part of KMBC-TV's "Chronicle: Mayor - The Quinton Lucas Playbook" on July 30. Casi Joy McCall, '12, a 2017 recipient of Park University's Park Promising Young Professional Award, also featured in an hour-long podcast produced by WDAF-TV in Kansas City on the same day.
Park University alumni have also been in the spotlight. Mary Billingsley-Jones, '02, was featured as the Veteran of the Day on July 17 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in its blog, VAntage Point. Bob Kendrick, a 2013 recipient of Park University's Distinguished Alumni Award, was the focus of a commentary piece in The Kansas City Star on July 13.
The University's 2019 Park University Golf Scramble is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 14, at The National Golf Club of Kansas City. Laurel DeFreece's mixed media works inspired by nature and the prairie will be on display in the Park University 2019-20 Campanella Gallery exhibition season.
With a host of upcoming events, including commencement ceremonies, blood drives, faculty conferences, move-in day, opening convocation, Kansas City area students/faculty/staff picnic, and various concerts and celebrations, Park University continues to be at the forefront of educational and community activities in the Kansas City area. Detailed schedules can be found on the University's website.
In other news, Brent Short was appointed as director of library services at Park University, while Isaac Barber was appointed as director of residence life. Jeanette Prenger was elected as the chair of Park University's Board of Trustees for the 2019-20 year.
Park University campuses across the country are holding commencement ceremonies for 2019 graduates, with Jessica Ramirez walking in Park University's commencement ceremony on July 27 to honor her husband, Carlos, who was killed in the line of duty after being struck by a passing vehicle during a routine traffic stop on July 2.
Alex Hoehn, a sophomore business administration/management major, was featured in the Shawnee Mission (Kan.) Post on July 19 for his attempts to achieve his dream of competing in the World Tour in cycling.
Lastly, a picture book manuscript by Virginia Brackett, Ph.D., professor emerita of English, was named a finalist in the William Penn Foundation's Early Childhood Book Challenge.
With its ongoing commitment to education, community involvement, and academic excellence, Park University continues to make a significant impact in the lives of its students, alumni, and the wider community.
Park University's initiatives for veterans, such as the Military Credit Fast App and the Valor Medals Review, are not only features in general news but also part of the broader discussion on education-and-self-development, as they aim to expedite educational credit transfer and military service validation for veterans. In the realm of sports, Alex Hoehn, a Park University student, made headlines for his attempts to achieve his dream of competing in the World Tour in cycling.
