Message from President Smeed for New Year 2022
Park University Shines in 2021: A Year of Achievements and Recognition
Park University, nestled in Parkville, Missouri, has had a remarkable year in 2021, marked by significant achievements and recognitions. Here's a roundup of some of the University's notable milestones.
Shane B. Smeed, the 18th president of Park University, led the institution through a year of triumphs. In March, Park University became a member of the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative, a testament to its commitment to innovation and technology.
The University's sports teams also excelled. The Park Pirates women's volleyball team advanced to the NAIA national championship in December, showcasing their skills and determination on the court. Meanwhile, the Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus Department of Athletics was recognised as an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star institution at the gold level in July, reflecting the University's values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and service.
In the realm of academia, Park faculty members were actively engaged in academic conferences, public programs, and media appearances throughout the year. Twenty-seven faculty members completed a nine-month course on effective teaching practices offered by the Association for College and University Educators, further enhancing the quality of education provided to students.
The University's music programme also made headlines. Stanislav Ioudenitch, associate professor of music/piano and artistic director of the International Center for Music, was inducted into the 2021 class of the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame in September. Kenny Broberg, a graduate student in Park's International Center for Music, won the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards competition, another feather in the cap for the esteemed music programme.
Park University also expanded its services for its military and veteran student population in 2022, including a new tool that will give students insight into how their skillsets translate into civilian career paths. In October, Park University joined the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting the military community.
To celebrate these achievements, Park University will showcase its signature International Center for Music at Stanislav & Friends, a gala event taking place at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts' Helzberg Hall on March 19, 2022. The University will also dedicate the Claude English Court at the Breckon Sports Center on January 8, 2022, to honour its recently retired director of athletics.
As 2022 begins, President Smeed looks forward to rising to the challenges of the times and charting a bold and innovative pathway forward for Park University. Park students continue to receive education that empowers them to pursue their dreams and fulfil their potential.
Park University students not only benefited from an education that empowers them to pursue their dreams, but also had the opportunity to showcase their skills in various sports, such as the Park Pirates women's volleyball team, who advanced to the NAIA national championship in December. Additionally, the Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus Department of Athletics was recognized as an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star institution at the gold level in July, highlighting the university's commitment to sports and education-and-self-development values.
