September 7th, 2021 - Crow's Nest Newspaper Report
Park University is gearing up for an exciting and eventful September, with a host of recognitions, lectures, and performances lined up.
Kris Matthews, an adjunct instructor of social work, recently received the spotlight in a story published by The Virginia Gazette on August 17. Meanwhile, Claude English, who recently retired as director of athletics for the Parkville Campus, was featured in the Platte County (Mo.) Citizen on August 4. Sarah Weygand, a 2016 graduate, was honoured by G.I. Jobs as a 2021 Veteran Champion of the Year in Higher Education.
Academic achievements also abound at Park University. Donna Jean, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemistry, was named to Wiley's STEM Hall of Femme for her significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Tech. Sgt. Damita Stevens, a 2021 graduate, was recognised in Air Force Magazine as a 2021-22 AFA Emerging Leader.
The University's faculty and staff were also recognised for their excellence during the Fall Faculty Conference, with four individuals being honoured for their teaching, scholarship, and service to students.
Michael Collins, executive director of The Americas at the Institute for Economics and Peace based in Sydney, Australia, will present a virtual discussion on "Positive Peace: Empowering the Peacebuilder We Each Have Within" on September 16.
In the realm of arts and culture, Kenny Broberg, an ICM graduate student and recent winner of the American Pianists Awards, will perform with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra on September 14. The International Center for Music at Park University has announced its 2021-22 concert season with nine events, including a collaboration between ICM students and the Owen/Cox Dance Group.
For those interested in public administration, the 29th annual Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Guest Lecture will be held virtually on September 9, focusing on "Public Administration's Triple Bottom Line: People, Process and Performance." The keynote speaker for this event is Mary Guy, Ph.D., a professor of public administration at the University of Colorado, Denver.
Park University's Fort Leonard Wood (Mo.) Campus was recently recognised by the Waynesville-St. Robert (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce for its August Business Showcase. In addition, the University received the following rankings: SecurityDegreeHub.com ranked Park No. 9 on its "Top 10 Online Emergency Management Graduate Certificate Programs for 2021" list and was selected by Abound (from Colleges of Distinction) on its "Top Grad Programs 2021" list of schools.
Lastly, Park University students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to sign up for ParkAlert, a mass notification system for important/urgent messages.
The 2021 KC Area Peacebuilding Conference, co-hosted by Park University, will have three events with themes related to peacebuilding and healing polarized societies. Anthony Melchiorri, '90, a member of Park University's Board of Trustees, recently appeared on NBC's "Today" show. Giovanna Bello, a sophomore libero on Park University's Parkville Campus women's volleyball team, was featured in an article that appeared in the Brazilian Times on August 25. Matheus Teles, '21, authored a guest commentary that appeared in The Kansas City Star on August 18.
As we move forward into September, Park University continues to shine, both within its community and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates and events!
In the academic realm, Donna Jean, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemistry, was honored for her contributions to education-and-self-development, specifically in science and technology, falling under the lifestyle category. The University's concert season, featuring collaborations between ICM students and performers, is a testament to its vibrant culture and general-news worthiness.
