February 4, 2022 Update: The Crow's Nest News
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Park University experienced a vibrant year in 2021, marked by significant achievements, notable events, and exciting developments. Here are some of the highlights that stood out:
Academic Achievements and Program Launches
Adam Wilkins, a sophomore nursing major, clinched the college junior division of the International Public Debate Association at the Gorlok Gala event in Webster Groves, Mo. Kena Wolf was also promoted to the role of chief enrollment management officer, effective Jan. 1.
Donna (Dong) Choi, Ph.D., professor of early childhood education, co-authored an article titled "Preschool Education for Three- and Four-Year-Olds in Kansas and Missouri: Reflections on State to State 'Laboratories of Democracy'" that was published in the fall/winter 2021 edition of the Missouri Policy Journal. Samantha Quinn, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication, co-authored the article "From the Front Lines to the Front Row: Millennials Teaching Military-Affiliated Learners" for the book The Changing Faces of Higher Education: From Boomers to Millennials.
Campus Developments and Renovations
Park University's International Center for Music hosted its annual Stanislav and Friends concert on March 19 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Mo. The Faculty Center for Innovation will host a Virtual Academic Conference for faculty and staff on March 26, with Tracie Addy, Ph.D., a renowned expert on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as the keynote speaker.
Athletic Achievements and Championships
Nada Meawad, a recent graduate from the Parkville Campus women's volleyball team, signed to play with the Volley Lugano club in Switzerland. Kenny Broberg, a graduate student in Park University's International Center for Music, won the American Pianists Association's 2021 American Pianists Awards.
Community Engagement and Service Projects
Carneysha Mendoza, a 2016 Park University graduate, testified in front of the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee about security failures during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Her testimony was broadcast on C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC, and other news outlets.
Celebrations of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
The Center for Global Peace Journalism at Park University celebrated its 10th anniversary with a symposium on March 2. Brad Kleindl, Ph.D., professor of marketing, co-authored a presentation on "Epigenetic Memetics in Organizational Culture, Learning and Memory: Expanding on the Darwinian Perspective" for the International Conference on Knowledge, Culture and Change in Organizations held virtually on Jan. 14.
Virtual or In-person Events related to Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges
Park University's Fall 2021 graduates were announced, with 1,340 students eligible to graduate, 371 of whom received a master's degree and/or graduate certificate, and 969 of whom received a bachelor's degree, associate degree, and/or undergraduate certificate. The University also hosted a Virtual Academic Conference and a Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium.
Inclement Weather Policy
Park University has an inclement weather policy for campus closures and the cancellation of classes. In 2020, changes were made to this policy as face-to-face classes now have the ability to pivot to an online format and most employees have the ability to work from home when needed. The University will notify students and employees by 6 a.m. for daytime classes/operations and by 4 p.m. for evening classes/operations if inclement weather makes driving to campus potentially dangerous.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Foundation at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., will award $3,500 scholarships to Park University students who are qualified and selected applicants. The deadline for applications is March 15.
For more detailed information about these events and stories, please visit Park University’s official website archives, press releases, or annual reports for 2021. You can also sign up for ParkAlert to receive Park University text alerts for urgent University-related updates and/or weather-related messages.
- The General News at Park University featured the achievements of Adam Wilkins, a sophomore nursing major who won the college junior division of the International Public Debate Association, and Kena Wolf's promotion to the role of chief enrollment management officer.
- Education and self-development news covered Donna (Dong) Choi's co-authorship of a published article on preschool education and Samantha Quinn's co-authorship of a chapter in a book about changing faces of higher education.
