Crow's Nest News - May 5, 2025:
Dr. Kathrine Swanson has been appointed as the interim president of Park University, effective April 23. Swanson, who previously served as the president of the Metropolitan Community College Longview Campus from August 2021 to August 2024, has also stepped down from the Park University's Board of Trustees to assume this new role.
In sports news, the Park University Pirates ended the season with a 18-8 record. The competitive cheer program brought home the third place trophy from the National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals. Rosjai Curtis, a freshman track and field athlete, was announced as the NAIA Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week on April 2.
The Park University International Center for Music is gearing up for an exciting concert season finale. The father-daughter duo of pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch and violinist Maria Ioudenitch will showcase their talents in the upcoming event. Three pianists from the centre will also be among the 30 selected to participate in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
In the world of academia, Dr. Lora Cohn, associate professor of communication arts, presented on two panels at the Central States Communication Association annual conference in Cincinnati, April 3-5. Meanwhile, Joshua Mugg, Ph.D., director of the Honors Academy and associate professor of philosophy, authored the article "Factual Belief and Religious Credence: Kinds or Continua?" which was published in the journal Philosophia on April 8.
Six senior art students will hold a pair of exhibits over the next few months showcasing their work in the Campanella Gallery. The Banneker School Foundation will host a Jazz and Folk Festival on June 7, in Parkville's English Landing Park, featuring a lineup of talented musicians.
Park University's Frances Fishburn Archives and Special Collections has digitized records related to the University's co-founder George S. Park, and they are now available in the online George S. Park collection. Catherine O'Sullivan has been appointed to the role of director of development and alumni engagement within the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations at Park University.
On the awards front, Abby Beagel, senior communication arts/multimedia journalism major and editor-in-chief of Park University's student newspaper, The Stylus, was recognized as the Journalist of the Year at the Missouri College Media Association's annual conference. Michael Davidman, a graduate of Park University's International Center for Music, won the American Piano Awards.
Finally, Jeanette Hernandez Prenger, founder and CEO of ECCO Select, will present the keynote address during Park University's Kansas City Area Commencement on May 10. A search for Park University's permanent president will begin in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates!
Dr. Kathrine Swanson, engaged in various education-and-self-development activities, now focuses on her new role as interim president of Park University. In addition, the Park University Pirates, known for sports excellence, concluded their season with a commendable 18-8 record.
