University selects Shane Smeed as its eighteenth president, taking over the reins at Park University.
New President of Park University Announced
Shane B. Smeed has been selected as the 18th president of Park University, effective from January 1, 2022. Smeed brings over two decades of experience in higher education to his new role.
Before joining Park University, Smeed served as a vice president at Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global). He also held various leadership roles at DeVry University, including four years as president in Kansas City, Missouri. Smeed's tenure at DeVry University culminated in his appointment as the vice president and chief operating officer of Park University, a position he held since September 2015.
Smeed's educational background is impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business operations from DeVry Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education administration from SLU. Furthermore, Smeed holds a Master of Arts degree in student personnel administration from St. Louis University.
In addition to his academic achievements, Smeed has provided strategic and tactical leadership to more than half of the University's staff in areas such as enrollment management, student success, financial aid services, marketing, student engagement, athletics, and campus center operations. He also served as a vice president and chief operating officer at Ottawa (Kan.) University.
Smeed has been actively involved in the Kansas City community, holding volunteer leadership and board roles with several local organizations. His wife, Angela, owns and operates Angela Smeed Design LLC. Together, they have three children: Samantha, Andrew, and Landon.
Smeed expressed his honor and humility at being chosen to serve as president of Park University. He served as the interim president of Park University since late November 2020. His appointment as the permanent president marks a significant milestone in the university's history.
[1] Source: Park University's official website
Vince Clark, chair of the University's Board of Trustees, approved Smeed's appointment. Clark expressed his confidence in Smeed's ability to lead Park University into a new era of success.
Smeed's participation in Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management program in 2019 further demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and improvement in his role as an educational leader.
Smeed's extensive experience, combined with his passion for education and community involvement, make him an ideal choice to lead Park University. As he steps into his new role, the university community looks forward to the positive impact he will have on the institution and its students.
- Smeed's appointment as the permanent president of Park University follows his interim presidency and marks a significant step in the university's general news, as he is expected to lead the institution into a new era of success.
- In addition to his role as the president of Park University, Smeed's ongoing pursuit of a doctoral degree in higher education administration and his participation in various professional development programs, such as the Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management, show his commitment to education-and-self-development.
