March 5, 2024 News Highlights:
In the realm of academia and beyond, Park University has been making waves. Here's a roundup of some noteworthy events and achievements that took place in February and early March.
Academic Achievements
Kristen Whiteley, an assistant professor of accounting, shared her expertise in a "Ask the Experts" segment on personal loans for WalletHub.com in February. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has accredited Park University since 1913, signifying that it meets the HLC’s standards of quality and institutional effectiveness.
Several faculty members, including Matt Harris, Donna (Dong) Choi, and Clarine Jacobs, have been recognised for their scholarly contributions. Harris was interviewed by various media outlets, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and authored an article on Taylor Swift's political influence. Choi co-authored an article on teacher shortages in Missouri and Kansas, while Jacobs authored a chapter on occupational stress and burnout.
Student Success Stories
Park University students have also been shining in their respective fields. Irene Verdino, a senior biology major and member of the women's volleyball team, was interviewed for a story that appeared on SportLinx360. Adam Wilkins, a senior nursing major, won the original oratory division at the Missouri Association of Forensics Activities and also took second in extemporaneous speaking.
Melissa Ferrer Civil, a 2020 graduate, was appointed as Kansas City's first poet laureate. Lillian Madeje, a 2010 graduate, was highlighted on the WeAreTech.Africa website.
Recognition and Awards
Park University was recognised by Winds of Change on its "Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students" list. The University also received several top 20 rankings by Intelligent.com, including Best Online Bachelor's in Internet Marketing Degree Programs of 2024, and Best Online Master's in Security Degree Programs of 2024. In addition, AcademicInfluence.com ranked Park University's online programs highly, such as Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs, No. 1, and Best Online Bachelor's in Math, No. 9.
Events and Performances
Several events and performances are scheduled for March and April. The International Center for Music will hold six concerts in March and April as the 2023-24 concert season comes to a close. Highlights include the International Center for Music Concert: Stanislav and Friends on March 8 and Women Transforming Criminal Justice with KCPD Chief Stacey Graves on March 13.
Behzod Abduraimov, Park University's International Center for Music artist-in-residence, made his debut performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in late February. A 12-minute piano performance by Abduraimov aired on "Performance Today" on WSCL-FM in Salisbury, Md., on Feb. 27.
Athletic Achievements
In the athletic realm, Robert Palmer, a Parkville men's soccer assistant coach, became the MASL's record-holder in career blocks on Feb. 16. The Park University flagship Parkville Campus Department of Athletics will add a competitive cheer program beginning with the start of the 2024-25 academic/athletic year.
Upcoming Events and Milestones
The Robb Centre will provide an update on the Valor Medals Review Project at a program on Tuesday, March 26, at the Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library's Plaza Branch. The HLC will visit Park University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus, Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus, and Camp Pendleton (Calif.) Marine Corps Base Campus from April 8-9 for a comprehensive evaluation of the university's accreditation.
The deadline for registration for Park University's annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium is April 14, 2023. Shawn Moore, an adjunct instructor of social work, was interviewed for a recent Veteran's Playbook episode. A trio of women leaders from the Kansas City area, all of whom are Park University alumni, will participate in an engaging Women's History Month conversation hosted by the University on Wednesday, March 20.
Representation and Outreach
Kevin Vicker, senior director of international education, represented Park University in a trade mission to southern India in mid-February. Matt Harris provided comments for an interview that aired on KCTV in Kansas City on Feb. 28.
Stacey Graves, chief of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, will be the featured speaker for Park University’s Women Transforming Criminal Justice event on Wednesday, March 13. Washington Chapel C.M.E. Church in Parkville, Mo., received a $160,000 Preserving Black Churches grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
As Park University continues to thrive, it remains committed to its mission of providing quality education, fostering student success, and making a positive impact in the community.
Park University has expanded its accomplishments beyond academia, with Irene Verdino, a senior biology major and member of the women's volleyball team, showcasing her skills in sports by being interviewed for a story on SportLinx360. The university's athletic achievements also include Robert Palmer, a Parkville men's soccer assistant coach, breaking the Major Arena Soccer League's record for career blocks.
