coordinated protest against the proposed factory expansion plan near the local river
Park University has announced several significant changes and accomplishments within its ranks. Two new leaders have been appointed to key positions, while numerous students, faculty, and alumni have been recognised for their outstanding achievements.
Effective March 1, Janet Ostrander has been appointed as the senior director of campus center operations, responsible for overseeing operations at 39 of the University's 41 campuses, providing strategic insight and leadership for enrollment and fiscal growth. Similarly, Andrew Davis has been appointed as associate vice president of enrollment management, with responsibility for the University's annual enrollment goals and strategic enrollment plan, as well as direct and indirect oversight of recruitment and enrollment activities.
In other news, the Park University Center for Global Peace Journalism celebrated its 10th anniversary with a symposium, which was featured on Shared Future News. The event highlighted the centre's contributions to peacebuilding efforts, particularly in Northern Ireland.
Several students have been recognised for their academic achievements. Tomika Maxwell, a senior business administration/management major, was highlighted in the March edition of the KC Scholars newsletter. Park University was also ranked No. 2 on BestAccreditedColleges.org's "Best Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology" list.
The University's military connections were highlighted in a column that appeared in The Oklahoman, focusing on the Valor Medals Review Project and academic underground space on the Parkville, Mo., Campus. Park University was also designated as a Military Friendly School for 2022-23 by Viqtory, earning a Top 10 Award, ranking No. 6 in the "Private, Not Offering Doctorate" category.
Faculty members have also been recognised for their research and contributions. Abhijit Mazumdar, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication arts, published research in 2019 related to the U.S. media portrayal of India during and after the Cold War. Tim Westcott, Ph.D., associate professor of history, director of the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War and associate archivist, appeared in a live interview on KCUR-FM's "Up To Date" program. Yongzhi (Joe) Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and information systems, was interviewed for stories related to federal prosecutors announcing a cybersecurity hack on the Wolf Creek Generating Station in Kansas.
Sports achievements have not been left behind. The Park University men's volleyball team has qualified for the NAIA Men's Volleyball National Championship, which will be held April 12-16 in West Des Moines, Iowa. The team will open play in Pool B against St. Xavier University on April 13 at 1 p.m. and close out pool play against Ottawa University on April 14 at 1 p.m.
Plans are being made to stream the matches in the Pirate Cafe on the Parkville Campus for the NAIA Men's Volleyball National Championship. The Faculty Center for Innovation has also announced its teaching and scholarship fellows for the 2022-23 academic year, with Patricia Ryberg, Heather Strafaccia, Jennifer Whitley, David Grover, and Stacy Yeager-Okosi among the recipients.
In addition, numerous students, faculty, and alumni have been recognised for their achievements. These include Kristin Gillette, Parkville (Mo.) Campus director of athletics, who was featured in the "Member Spotlight" on the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics website. Isaiah Korthanke, '10, was featured in the Northwest Missourian for his run for a seat on the Maryville (Mo.) School District Board of Education. Nadedja (Bucsan) Glass, '14, a native of Moldova, and her husband were featured as they were trying to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees.
Lastly, several upcoming events have been announced, including the International Center for Music Concert: ICM Orchestra on April 8, Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards on April 13, International Center for Music Concert: Pianist Behzod Abduraimov on April 16, Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium on April 18-19, Honors Convocation on April 20, Inauguration Picnic on April 21, Presidential Inauguration for Shane Smeed on April 22, International Center for Music Concert: ICM Violin Students with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra on April 29, Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus Commencement on April 30, Grand Forks (N.D.) Air Force Base Campus Commencement on April 30, Senior Art Students Exhibition from May 1-30, Ellen Finley Earhart Department of Nursing Pinning Ceremony on May 6, International Sash Ceremony on May 6, Kansas City Area Commencement Ceremony on May 7, Spring Semester / Spring II Term Ends on May 8, Maymester Begins on May 9, Park University Founders Day (147th Anniversary) on May 12, Board of Trustees Meeting on May 13, Beaufort (S.C.) Marine Corps Air Station Campus Commencement Ceremony on May 20, Maymester Ends on May 22, Barstow (Calif.) Community College Campus / Victor Valley College (Calif.) Campus Commencement Ceremony on May 26, Memorial Day Holiday (all University offices closed nationwide) on May 30.
- The education and self-development sector at Park University has been active, with Janet Ostrander appointed as the senior director of campus center operations, overseeing operations at the majority of campuses, and Andrew Davis appointed as associate vice president of enrollment management, responsible for the University's annual enrollment goals.
- The general news outlet, Shared Future News, highlighted the Park University Center for Global Peace Journalism's 10th anniversary symposium, which focused on the center's significant contributions to peacebuilding efforts, particularly in Northern Ireland.
